MINUTES

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023, at 7:00 P.M.

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM. in the Cranston City Council Chambers, Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, RI  02910

 

YouTube Live Stream

 

This meeting was live streamed on YouTube. Click the link below to view the meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtE9vwA1B1PQHuftrNPcZjg.

 

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:44 P.M. by Council President Jessica M. Marino

 

II.        ROLL CALL

 

The roll was called by the Clerk.  Stated as Present:  Councilman Robert J. Ferri, Councilwoman Aniece Germain, Councilman John P. Donegan, Councilman Richard D. Campopiano, Councilman Christopher G. Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Lammis J. Vargas, and Council President Jessica M. Marino.  (Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli joined the meeting at 7:48 p.m.).  Also present:  Stephen Angell, Legal Counsel; John Verdecchia, Asst. Solicitor; David DiMaio, Budget Analyst/Council Auditor; Christopher Millea, City Solicitor; and Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff.

 

III.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The pledge of allegiance was recited by the body.

 

IV.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas to take the minutes as a block.

 

VOTE:  Ayes - 7 (Ferri, Germain, Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Vargas, and Marino) (unanimous vote of those present)

 

Approval of the minutes of the August 28, 2023 Regular Council Meeting

Approval of the minutes of the September 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting

Approval of the minutes of the September 18, 2023 Special Council Meeting

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to approve the minutes of August 28, September 6, and September 18, 2023 as presented.

 

VOTE:  VOTE:  Ayes - 7 (Ferri, Germain, Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Vargas, and Marino) (unanimous vote of those present)

           

V.        PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

           

CITATIONS in Recognition of the Contributions of Latinos to the State of Rhode Island during National Hispanic Heritage Month   

 

Council Vice-President Vargas introduced and presented citations to the following:

            Isa Tejada, Vice Principal, Cranston East High School

            R.I. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

            Criste Hernandez, Registered Nurse for the Providence V.A. Medical Hospital

            Wilda Guttierez, Founder of Esperanza-Hope

            Jose Mercano, Entrepreneur and Owner of Jomar Painting

 

CITATION to be presented to Bernadette Conte, local Italian American author and documentarian   

 

Council President Marino introduced and presented the citation to Ms. Conte.

 

VI.       PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT

           

The following individuals spoke in support of repairs to the Edgewood Highland Playground: 

                        Bridgette Grazziano, 11 Wentworth Ave.

                        Megan Cresci Johnson, 145 Villa Ave.

                        Carolina McConnell, 48 Betsy Williams Dr.

                        Noelle Kristiansen-John, 1059 Narragansett Blvd.

                        Amy Sloan, 11 Haddon Hill Rd.

                        Katelyn Kelly, 1122 Narragansett Blvd.

                        Steve Coelho, 136 Sharon St (via Zoom)

           

The following individuals spoke in opposition to the Mayor's proposal to replace Budlong Pool.  They called for an independent inspection to be conducted.

 

                        Susan Blake, 173 Grand Ave.

                        Karen Rosenberg, 46 Bow St.  

                        Susanna Yim, 21 June Ave. (via Zoom)

                        Susan Kelly, 199 Jordan Ave. (via Zoom)

                        Alice Petrone, 24 Bretton Woods Dr.

 

The Council President closed public comment at 8:45 P.M.

 

VII.     RESOLUTIONS

 

RESOLUTION In Recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month; Sponsored by Council Vice-President Vargas and Council President Marino 

 

Council Vice-President Vargas wishes to correct line 44.  "34^th" Anniversary should read "35^th" Anniversary.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to amend line 44 of the Resolution as requested by the sponsor.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain to approve the Resolution as amended.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli thanked the Vice-President for bringing the resolution before Council and wishes to recognize the Vice-President as the first Latino elected to City Council.  She wishes to be added as a co-sponsor.

 

Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Donegan, Councilwoman Germain, and Councilman Ferri all asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

VOTE ON MOTION:  Ayes - 8 (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION In Recognition of Italian American Heritage Month; Sponsored by Council President Marino and Councilman Ferri

 

Vice-President Vargas, Councilman Donegan, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Paplauskas, and Councilwoman Renzulli asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the Resolution.

 

VIII.    REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

 

A.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held September 11, 2023

 

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

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the tax interest waiver approvals.

 

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

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the tax interest waiver denials.  

 

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

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the Real Estate Tax Abatements.

RESOLUTION Authorizing Tangible Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor  

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the Tangible Tax Abatements.

 

RESOLUTION to Save Budlong Pool; Sponsored by Councilman Donegan, Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Germain, Council Vice-President Vargas, and Council President Marino; Amended by the Finance Committee September 11, 2023 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas to AMEND the Resolution striking lines 18 through 60 in their entirety.

 

Council President Marino pointed out lines 18-60 are the entire body of the resolution.

 

Councilman Campopiano confirmed that is his intent.  This is the first time he's seen movement from two opposite opinions.  If this resolution is an olive branch, it shouldn't have thorns.

 

Councilman Donegan noted that lines 18-60 are factual statements.  It is important for people to understand how we got to the point we are at today.  He is open to specific language, but striking the entire body is unnecessary.  If the language is not correct, let's correct it.

 

Councilman Campopiano offered to narrow down the strike-through down to lines 37 through 47 if that makes it more palatable.

Councilwoman Germain is trying to understand Councilman Campopiano's point.  As Councilman Donegan mentioned, the resolution is based on facts.  There are records.  She urged Council to pass the resolution as presented.

 

A. Moretti feels lines 37-46 are out of context.  They are factually true, but not in full context.  The proper context should be added for the full truth.

 

VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND:  Ayes - 3 (Renzulli, Campopiano & Paplauskas);

Nays - 5 (Ferri, Germain, Donegan, Vargas, and Marino).  MOTION FAILS 3-5.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli referred to an email thread between herself and Mark Mariano.  She forwarded them to the Clerk to print and provide them to Council members this evening.  A compromise is usually back and forth.  She read from the emails.  More money will be needed for an 11,000 square foot pool. 

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Campopiano, and approved UNANIMOUSLY to accept the string of emails (dated September 19, 2023 to September 25, 2023) as part of the record.

 

Councilman Donegan thanked Councilwoman Renzulli for bringing the information forward.  He's had several conversations with the Mayor.  He asked what size pool (square footage) the city could get for the funds available.  He did not receive an answer.

 

Councilwoman Germain does not trust any information coming from this company.  On September 6 they struggled to answer questions.  They have a conflict of interest.  We don't have a breakdown of the $5.44 million.  We did not ask them about fees.  The compromise is a pool of no less than 11,000 square feet.  We have two estimates to get the pool fixed and running.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli can only ask the questions where she can ask them.  The engineer was hired by the city.  Anyone we pay will have "skin in the game".  At the end of the day, everyone wants a pool opened.  She asked the questions about operational costs because she wanted them.  She is just trying to provide more information.  She cannot vote in support of the resolution.  We cannot afford an 11,000 square foot pool.

 

Councilman Ferri noted the emails refer to his proposal of 11,000 square feet.  It is not his proposal.  It is the Committee's. 

 

Councilman Donegan made a decision based on the information available.  We are getting caught up on the language.  We all agree we want as big a pool as we can get for $4.75 million.  He suggested just putting that in the resolution.

 

Councilwoman Germain feels this is why it's important to have an independent assessment of the pool.  We don't need to rush.  It's been two years.  Why rush now?

 

Council President Marino did not hear a second to Councilman Donegan's suggested amendment.  All Council members have stated they want a pool as big as possible with the funds that have been appropriated.  The resolution sets forth the priorities.  She disagrees that portions are not factually accurate.  She appreciates Councilman Donegan speaking with the Mayor.  A rectangular pool is cheaper.  An 11,000 square foot pool is half the size of the pool we've been using for decades.  It will be less expensive to operate.  She would like to hear from Mr. Moretti.

 

A. Moretti indicated the Mayor requested the cost to build an 11,000 square foot rectangular pool.  He also asked what the largest pool is we can get for $4.75 million.  The numbers are coming. 

 

Council President Marino asked Mr. Moretti to forward an email to all Council members when he receives the numbers.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to approve the Resolution to Save Budlong Pool, as presented.

VOTE:  Ayes - 5 (Ferri, Germain, Donegan, Vargas, Marino); Nays - 3 (Renzulli, Campopiano, Paplauskas).  MOTION CARRIES 5-3.

 

B.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE meeting held September 14, 2023

 

RESOLUTION to enter into a Construction & Maintenance Agreement with RIDOT for Safety Improvements on Atwood Ave; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins; Approved by the Public Works Committee September 14, 2023 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the Resolution.

 

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

      September 11, 2023 claims paid.  

 

The list was provided via link.  No action taken.

 

D.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Ferri, on the SAFETY SERVICES COMMITTEE Special Meeting September 25, 2023

           

NEW CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE

Dos Mundos Restaurant, Inc. located at 1 Starline Way

(Over the Cap; requires full Council approval)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to approve the Class BV Liquor License.

 

IX.       PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS

            None

 

X.        ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

 

APPOINTMENT of Elizabeth Bettis as Alternate 1 to the Juvenile Hearing Board for the un-expired term ending December 1, 2023; per Ch. 2.72. of the Cranston Code of Ordinances; as requested by Councilman Ferri   

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas, and passed by UNANIMOUS vote to appoint Elizabeth Bettis as 1^st alternate to the Juvenile Hearing Board.

 

XI.       REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

            None

 

XII.     EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS  

 

A.  Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2023 - September 19, 2023

 

Council President Marino recalls a prior request was made to add other firms that were not included on the report.  She requested they be added. 

 

B.  From Planning Director Pezzullo, status report on the Comprehensive Plan    

 

Council President Marino noted the Director is not present.  She asked the Clerk if she received a report.  The Clerk last received an email on September 12, 2023.  Council President Marino knows the Planning Commission held a public workshop on September 20.  She was not able to attend.  She watched the video.  The contracted group, Weston & Samson, gave a presentation.  She reminded the public that the video is available to view.    

 

XIII.    COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

            None

 

XIV.    COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

 

From Councilwoman Renzulli:  Update on Learn365RI Funding (cont'd)

 

Councilwoman Renzulli has no further information.  She defers to the next item.

 

From Councilwoman Germain:  Update on the Budlong Pool Project plan (cont'd)

 

Councilwoman Germain reiterated her position.  Based on discrepancies in reports and information that conflicts with the previous director, Mr. Liberatore, she is calling for an assessment from an independent neutral expert.  If the pool cannot be repaired, and a new pool is to be built, the minimum size is to be 11,000 square feet. 

 

A. Moretti defended Mr. Mariano's reputation.  He has impeccable credentials.  He is well qualified.  He has no skin in the game.  He has made $0 contributions to the Mayor or anyone else he knows of.  They did not know of Mr. Mariano's existence in this world in advance.  Mr. Mariano's assessment is independent.

 

**Councilman Paplauskas exited the meeting at this time**

 

From Council Vice-President Vargas:  With regard to city playgrounds:

 

1.  Requesting a comprehensive list of the conditions of all city playgrounds including details of name of playground, location, condition, last time items were replaced (toys/mulch/rubber/fence/courts)

 

Council Vice-President Vargas has received the list.

 

2.  Dollars spent per playground around the city

 

Council-Vice President Vargas is asking, through the Administration, in the absence of the Finance Director or Parks & Recreation Director, the amounts spent per playground this fiscal year, last fiscal year, and to date.

 

A. Moretti indicated the funds are not accounted for by playground.  It would be difficult to provide as the records are not readily ascertainable.  It may take a while.  The Finance Department is short-staffed.  He feels the assessment of the conditions is more important.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas believes, depending on the software, the requisitions would identify which playground each expenditure was for.  She asked Mr. Moretti to follow up.  Mr. Moretti will look at the invoices.

 

3.   Discussion of allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to playgrounds directly on or next to school buildings due to deteriorating playgrounds in need of upkeep; total amount of ARPA funds available

 

A. Moretti reported the balance sheet for the money in the ARPA account shows an unencumbered amount of $5.6 million.  The Mayor has proposed using $600,000 for playgrounds; $100,000 per ward.

 

4.  Current balance in the Fiscal Year 2024 Parks & Recreation budget

 

A. Moretti reported the original budget was about $3.1 million, with about $2.1 million remaining.

 

5.  Total amount of CDBG funding

 

A. Moretti reported the proposed amount for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, if approved by HUD, is $1.6 million.  The timeframe for response is October.  There is no reason to believe it will not be approved.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas believes CDBG funding is allocated using certain formulas.  The CDBG Director is in attendance.  She asked him to explain how the funds can be utilized.  She believes Edgewood-Highland playground does not fall within the qualifications for CDBG, but the Smith St. playground does.

 

Ernest Tommasiello explained there are rules and regulations that need to be followed.  In April, they started on an action plan for the July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 fiscal year.  They submitted a plan to HUD, applying the formulas of how the money can be used.  We should hear in the next 2-3 weeks.  If what has been submitted is approved, then there is some flexibility to minimally adjust the action plan; and it needs to be advertised. 

 

Council Vice-President Vargas asked Director Tommasiello when he will collect requests and how much is remaining.

 

Mr. Tommasiello clarified.  The HUD guidelines set forth what the funds can be used for.  All of the $1.6 million has already been allocated.  Technically none is available.  Once approved, revisions can be considered.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas asked that this matter be continued to the October Public Works agenda and the October regular City Council meeting.  She has a playground resolution under New Business this evening, to be referred to the October Finance Committee meeting.  She discussed with the Administration the amount to replace the rubber chips with wood chips as a temporary solution; to at least get the playground open and not see it remain closed.  She would like to know the status.

 

A. Moretti explained this is why the Mayor introduced a resolution and invited the Council Vice-President to co-sponsor, but she was doing her own.  He wanted to get it on the docket for immediate action and get the funds approved.  The Mayor was acting on this before he even read the Council Vice-President's resolution.  He believes a document was shared at a prior meeting.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas answered it was not.  She requested an assessment so we know the amounts needed and can appropriate the correct amounts.  When discussed, the ballpark cost to remove the rubber mat was $40,000-$50,000, but it was mentioned that we don't have the manpower so it would need to be outsourced, and the administration would circle back.  She hasn't heard more.  There was reference to a DEM grant but that won't be awarded until spring.  She wants the actual cost to remove the rubber mat and add wood chips to act quickly and re-open the playground.

 

A. Moretti can only offer an estimate.  An RFP is needed to know the actual cost.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas thanked the members of the PTA still in attendance.  A lot of info has been gathered by them.  It will be emailed to the Clerk to share with Council.  She encouraged residents to attend the October 2, 2023 Finance Committee meeting if they want to add any information.

 

XV.     COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER  

             None

 

XVI.    INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS

 

Council President Marino announced that Ordinances 9-23-02 and 9-23-03 were withdrawn by the applicant.  Each New Business item will be considered individually.

 

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; to be referred to Finance Committee October 2, 2023

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to refer the Resolution to the October 2 Finance Committee meeting.      All Ayes

 

RESOLUTION relative to Playgrounds Upgrade & Maintenance; Sponsored by Council Vice-President Lammis J. Vargas; to be referred to Finance Committee October 2, 2023

           

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to refer the Resolution to the October 2 Finance Committee meeting.      All Ayes

 

PETITION of Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England Inc. for relocation of a pole on Cranston St.; to be referred to Public Works Committee October 12, 2023    

             

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain to refer the Petition to the October 12 Public Works Committee meeting.  All Ayes

 

9-23-01   ORDINANCE in Amendment of Title 17, Chapter 24 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled "Performance Standards Generally" adding Section 17.24.50 Retail Sales of Cannabis; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins; to be referred to Ordinance Committee November 16, 2023    

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Germain, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to refer the ordinance to the November 16 Ordinance Committee meeting.    All Ayes

 

9-23-02   ORDINANCE in Amendment of Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled "Zoning"; relative to a change of zone for property located at 20 Goddard Dr., further designated as Assessor's Plat 13, Lot 39; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins, Council President Jessica M. Marino, and Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli; to be referred to Ordinance Committee November 16, 2023   [Application]

 

Withdrawn by applicant.  No action taken.   

 

9-23-03   ORDINANCE in Amendment of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Cranston, 2012, As Amended; relative to property located at 20 Goddard Dr., further designated as Assessor's Plat 13, Lot 39; Sponsored by Council President Jessica M. Marino, and Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli; to be referred to Ordinance Committee November 16, 2023   [Application]

 

Withdrawn by applicant.  No action taken.

 

9-23-04   ORDINANCE Allocating $600,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act Funds for the Purpose of Upgrading City of Cranston Playgrounds in All Six Wards; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins; to be referred to Finance Committee October 2, 2023

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain to refer the ordinance to the October 2 Finance Committee meeting.      All Ayes

 

9-23-05   ORDINANCE in Amendment of Title 17 Zoning, Chapter 17.36.010 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled 'Industrial Uses'; Sponsored by Council President Jessica M. Marino; to be referred to Ordinance Committee October 12, 2023

 

Council President Marino announced the date this ordinance will be referred to the Ordinance Committee is being amended from October 12 to November 16, 2023 for the purpose of proper advertisement.

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Germain, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to refer this Ordinance to the Ordinance Committee meeting of November 16, 2023 rather than October 12, 2023.         All Ayes

 

CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of October 2, 2023 as follows:  

 

TYPE OF CLAIM	CLAIMANT	DATE OF ALLEGED INCIDENT
Personal Injury	Roger Dominguez Henriquez	June 18, 2023
Property Damage	Rita Aunis	August 22, 2023
Property Damage	Elsa Vieira	July 30, 2023
Property Damage	Kevin M. Antonucci	August 18, 2023
Property Damage	Kerri Miozza	July 20, 2023

 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain to refer the above-referenced claims to the Claims Committee meeting of October 2, 2023.       All Ayes

 

XVII.  EXECUTIVE SESSION   (vote may be taken)

 

Upon a motion, second, and open call by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present, the City Council will convene in a closed session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) pertaining to prospective and actual litigation matters as listed below:

 

            Sonya Poydras, 190 Aqueduct Rd., Retaining Wall   

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Germain to move to Executive Session pursuant to RI. Gen. Law 42-46-5(a)(2) pertaining to prospective or actual litigation relative to the retaining wall located at 190 Aqueduct Rd., Cranston, RI.

 

ROLL CALL:  Ayes - 7 (Ferri, Renzulli, Germain, Donegan, Campopiano, Vargas, and Marino (unanimous vote of those present) 

 

XVIII. RETURN OPEN SESSION

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to return to open session.           All Ayes

 

Council President Marino reported no motions were made in Executive Session.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to seal the minutes of the executive session.            All Ayes

 

XVIV. ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to adjourn at 10:26 P.M.            All Ayes

 

 

 

 

Minutes approved as written October 23, 2023

 

 

Attest:  ______________________________

                   Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk