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| CRANSTON CITY COUNCIL Regular Monthly Meeting | ||
| | Jessica M. Marino, President, City-Wide Lammis J. Vargas, Vice President, Ward 1 Robert J. Ferri, City-Wide Nicole Renzulli, City-Wide | VACANT, Ward 2 John P. Donegan, Ward 3 Richard D. Campopiano, Ward 4 Christopher G. Paplauskas, Ward 5 Daniel Wall, Ward 6 | |
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM. in the Cranston City Council Chambers, Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, RI 02910. Remote participation was also available. for the purpose of conducting the items of business appearing on the docket.
YouTube Live Stream
This meeting was live streamed on YouTube. Click the link to view the meeting.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtE9vwA1B1PQHuftrNPcZjg.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by Council President Jessica M. Marino.
Stated as Present: Councilman Robert J. Ferri, Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, Councilman John P. Donegan, Councilman Richard D. Campopiano, Councilman Christopher G. Paplauskas, Councilman Daniel Wall, Council Vice-President Lammis J. Vargas, and Council President Jessica M. Marino. Also present: Stephen Angell, Legal Counsel; Christopher Millea, Solicitor; Christopher Rawson, Asst. Solicitor; David DiMaio, Budget Analyst; Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff; and Tracy Nelson, City Clerk
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body.
MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilman Wall to consider all the minutes as a block.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
Approval of the minutes of the March 25, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
(vote may be taken)
Approval of the minutes of the April 1, 2024 Special Council Meeting
(vote may be taken)
Approval of the minutes of the April 8, 2024 Special Council Meeting
(vote may be taken)
Approval of the minutes of the April 11, 2024 Special Council Meeting
(vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to approve all minutes as presented.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
None
MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to take the agenda out of order. (items taken out of order identified with an *)
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
Robert Zanni, 19 Blossom Dr., thanked the Council for consideration of the resolution supporting Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the appointment of Kristen E. Haroian to the Ward 2 Council vacancy:
Michael Traficante, former Mayor of Cranston
Raymond Coia, Chair of the Juvenile Hearing Board
Dr. Kathleen Torregrossa, 1331 Hope Rd., employee of Cranston Public Schools
Nicholas Lima, Registrar/Director of Elections spoke in support of the resolution requesting mail delivery to residents of Fiskeville.
Atty. Robert Murray spoke in favor of passage of Ordinances 02-24-02 and 02-24-03.
RESOLUTION In Support of Governor Daniel J. McKee’s Litter Free Rhode Island Campaign; sponsored by Council President Marino and Council Vice-President Vargas
(vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve the resolution.
All Council members wish to be added as co-sponsors.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
RESOLUTION Supporting Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month; sponsored by Councilman Ferri (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilman Campopiano to approve the resolution.
All Council members wish to be added as co-sponsors.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
RESOLUTION Recognizing May 5 through 11, 2024 as the 55th Annual Municipal Clerks Week; sponsored by Council President Marino and Council Vice-President Vargas
(vote may be taken)
Each Council member expressed gratitude to the City Clerk and Assistant City Clerk and asked to be added as a co-sponsor.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 <(unanimous)
A. Report from the Chair, Councilman Wal, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE meeting held April 1, 2024:
April, 2024 Claims Paid Report (no vote)
B. Report from the Chair, Councilman Ferri, on the SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE meeting held April 1, 2024:
LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER OF CLASS FROM CLASS BVL TO CLASS BV
LUNCH BOX CAFÉ, LLC d/b/a Lunch Box Café located at 751 Park Ave.;
Sandy M. Tavarez (License over the cap; requires full Council approval)
(vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas to approve the transfer of liquor license from Class BVL to Class BV for Lunch Box Café d/b/a Lunch Box Café.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
C. Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held April 1, 2024:
RESOLUTION Allowing the City of Cranston to Assume Responsibility for the Upkeep and Safety of the United States Army Donation of Mid-Nineteenth Century Military Cannons at the Governor Sprague Mansion; Sponsored by Councilwoman Renzulli and Councilman Donegan; Co-Sponsored by Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Wall, Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Ferri, Councilman Campopiano, Council Vice-President Vargas, and Council President Marino; Approved by the Finance Committee April 1, 2024 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the Resolution.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as recommended by the
Tax Assessor (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
Consideration of Tax Interest Waiver APPROVALS for the month of March, 2024 as recommended by the City Treasurer (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
Consideration of Tax Interest Waiver DENIALS for the month of March, 2024 as recommended by the City Treasurer (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
D. Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE meeting held April 11, 2024: (nothing to report)
E. Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the ORDINANCE
COMMITTEE meeting held April 11, 2024:
02-24-02 ORDINANCE in Amendment of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Cranston, 2012, As Amended (20 Goddard Drive, Assessor’s Plat 13, Lot 39); as requested by Owner/Applicant – 200 Goddard LLC; Approved by the Finance Committee April 11, 2024 (vote may be taken)
[click to view Planning Commission Recommendation]
MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to approve Ordinance 02-24-02.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
02-24-03 ORDINANCE in Amendment of Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Zoning” (20 Goddard Drive, Assessor’s Plat 13, Lot 39); as requested by Owner/Applicant 20 Goddard LLC; Approved by the Ordinance Committee, as amended, April 11, 2024 (vote may be taken)
[click to view Planning Commission Recommendation]
MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to approve Ordinance 02-24-03.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
03-24-01* ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 32 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking on Specific Streets”; Sponsored by Councilman Ferri, Council Vice-President Vargas, and Council President Marino; Approved by the Ordinance Committee (*as 3-21-04) April 11, 2024 (vote may be taken) [click to view Traffic Engineer Report]
MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas to approve Ordinance 03-24-01.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
RESOLUTION Requesting the United States Postal Service Establish Normal Residential Mail Delivery to the Residents of Fiskeville; Sponsored by Councilman Ferri, Councilman Campopiano, and Council President Marino; Co-Sponsored by Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilwoman Germain, Councilman Donegan, Councilman Wall, Councilman Paplauskas, and Council Vice-President Vargas; Approved by the Ordinance Committee April 11, 2024 (vote may be taken) [Exhibit A]
pt;color:windowtext;text-decoration: none;text-underline:none'>MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to approve the Resolution.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
APPOINTMENT of Sarah K. Frew as 1st Alternate to the Tax Assessment Board of Review for the unexpired term ending January 28, 2026; as requested by Councilwoman Renzulli (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to appoint Sarah K. Frew as 1st Alternate to the Tax Assessment Board of Review.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
APPOINTMENT of Elizabeth Del Padre to the Tax Assessment Board of Review, replacing Robert J. Santurri, Jr. for the unexpired term ending January 5, 2026; as requested by Council President Marino (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to appoint Elizabeth Del Padre to the Tax Assessment Board of Review.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
None
Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2023 to April 16, 2024
(no votes)
There were no questions or comments.
From Planning Director Pezzullo, status report on the Comprehensive Plan (no votes)
Director Pezzullo was not in attendance. He did not provide a report or convey any message to the Administration.
Update from Administration regarding the status of the City’s participation in the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s Community Septic System Loan Program
Council President Marino this docket item because at the time of the posting the program did not appear on the city’s website. It is now available on the website for residents to apply. She thanked the Administration.
01-24-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 32 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Stopping, Standing, and Parking on Specific Streets” (Stop Intersection at Plantation Drive, Elm Drive, and Magazine Street); Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins and Councilwoman Renzulli; Approved by the Ordinance Committee February 15, 2024; continued from the Regular Council Meeting of February 26, 2024 (vote may be taken) [Traffic Engineer Report]
MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve Ordinance 01-24-01.
Council President Marino requested an update from the Administration.
Chief of Staff Moretti indicated the Traffic Engineer has provided his recommendation. Mr. Mulcahey recommends a roundabout in lieu of the 4-way stop. The Mayor would like to see this ordinance passed, for now, for the safety of the students.
Council President Marino asked Councilman Wall if he has anything to add, since this is his ward.
Councilman Wall has spoken to the neighbors. They are split, for and against. In the name of safety, he is in support.
VOTE: Ayes – 8 (unanimous)
From Council Vice-President Vargas:
Status on improvements to all playgrounds identified in Resolution 2023-46 passed by the City Council December 18, 2023 [Resolution 2023-46]
Council Vice-President Vargas referred to the Resolution where Council allocated ARPA funds for improvements to seventeen playgrounds that are adjacent to schools. At the last Public Works meeting, she requested an update. She would like to know when the Administration foresees the closed playgrounds being reopened.
Parks and Recreation Director, Raymond Tessaglia, provided Council with an update on the status of those playground projects. The parts were ordered in the last few weeks.
Council Vice-President Vargas questioned the delay in ordering parts when the funds have been available since December.
Director Tessaglia had to work with the Finance Department to set up a system to appropriate the money per playground. Each playground now has its own account.
Council Vice-President Vargas asked how the projects are prioritized.
Director Tessaglia answered it is based on the hazards and threat to the children.
Council Vice-President asked if there is a plan in place, moving forward, to ensure the playgrounds don’t return to the state of disrepair.
Director Tessaglia will have crew members check daily when they can, but he can’t pull them off other jobs.
Council Vice-President Vargas asked about playgrounds outside the scope of these projects. Will the department bring them up to standard?
Councilman Ferri asked if an assessment has been compiled of any of the playgrounds not at the schools; and, if so, can it be provided to the City Clerk to circulate to Council?
Councilman Wall recalls that Council Vice-President Vargas requested a status report at the last Public Works meeting. They were told should be out within a couple of weeks.
Director Tessaglia confirmed. He will provide it to the clerk.
Susan Blake, 173 Grand Ave., addressed inadequacies in the Building Inspections Department. The department is woefully understaffed, no funding has been provided in the fiscal year 2025 budget, but that is not an excuse for them to shirk their responsibilities. She referred to issues at 1890 Broad Street. Minimum Housing needs to be enforced. She is asking Council for stricter guidelines on enforcement and violations. Budlong Pool has been granted historical status. She is again requesting an evaluation of the pool’s condition by an unaffiliated party.
Tanya Pereira, 55 Friendly Road, expressed concern with the frequency and aggressiveness with which solar companies are soliciting at homes. She suggested an ordinance requiring they wear badges containing their name and company so that complaints can be logged by the police department.
Dante` Marinaro, 132 Fordson Ave., Unit 3 has an issue with his tax assessment. It was done prior to the damage from the flood. Council President Marino announced cannot address undocketed matters during public comment. If Mr. Marino wishes to email her, she will direct him to the appropriate department.
Pursuant to Section 2.06 - Vacancies of the Cranston City Charter, appointment of Kristen E. Haroian as Ward 2 Council Member filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Ward 2 Council Member Aniece Germain; and administration of the Oath of Office by the City Clerk (vote to be taken)
MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas to continue this item.
Discussion:
Councilwoman Renzulli stated appointing Kristen Haroian to fill the vacancy, amidst the circumstances of the resignation, would be a disservice to Ms. Haroian. Ms. Haroian undoubtedly possesses the qualities and has substantial support, but the questions surrounding the resignation cast some doubt on the legitimacy.
Council President Marino turned the floor over to Attorney Angell.
Atty. Angell urged Council to stay on topic, relative to the motion to continue, and not the merits of something that is not on the agenda.
Councilwoman Renzulli reiterated she believes the matter should be continued, pursuant to the circumstances surrounding the matter. She cannot sit silently while there are other things going on that diminish what Council is here to do.
Solicitor Millea respectfully disagrees with Atty. Angell. Members of Council can talk about the appointment to be voted on. Every Council member has a right to be heard on this matter. It is docketed.
Atty. Angell gave his point of view. The agenda item is to fill a vacancy. Why the vacancy exists is not on the agenda. There is a person named on the agenda to fill the vacancy. The circumstances surrounding the resignation or the absence of the person that used to hold the seat are not on the agenda.
Councilwoman Renzulli pointed out the agenda does list the appointment to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Ward 2 Council Member Aniece Germain. She is named. Her resignation is the cause of the vacancy.
Council President Marino noted the attorneys have spoken. They are the legal experts on the matter. She called to MOVE THE QUESTION.
Councilwoman Renzulli pointed out the attorneys have conflicting opinions.
MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to challenge the Chair.
Council President Marino requested a vote on the challenge.
Councilman Donegan called POINT OF ORDER. He would like clarification. This is the first challenge to the Chair he has experienced. He asked the Council attorney, as parliamentarian, what a no vote would mean.
Atty. Angell stated the President’s position to move the question is being challenged. That’s been ordered for a vote. The Council can support the challenge or deny the challenge by vote. It is a non-debatable motion.
VOTE ON MOTION TO CHALLENGE:
Ayes – 3 (Renzulli, Campopiano, Paplauskas)
Nays – 5 (Ferri, Donegan, Wall, Vargas, Marino)
MOTION TO CHALLENGE FAILS.
President Marino called to MOVE THE QUESTION.
Councilman Paplauskas called POINT OF ORDER. According to Roberts Rules, we cannot move the question until every Council member has been given an opportunity to speak. We haven’t had that opportunity yet. He asked for a ruling from Solicitor Millea.
Solicitor Millea conferred with Atty. Angell and Asst. Solicitor Rawson.
President Marino asked Councilman Paplauskas what he is seeking to challenge.
Councilman Paplauskas clarified. The challenge is done. He called a point of order on moving the question. It is his understanding, according to Roberts Rules, that before you can move a question, you must give everyone the opportunity to speak.
Council President Marino asked who would like to be heard on the motion to continue.
Discussion continued.
Councilman Paplauskas supports continuing the appointment. He thinks Ms. Haroian is highly qualified and would be a great colleague on the Council. His concern is the way Council is going about this and what happened to a prior colleague. We don’t know the facts on the resignation. He isn’t sure if the resignation is even valid, based on news stories. He will be voting to continue.
Councilman Donegan has no comment on the resignation. That is not what he is here to discuss. What he is here to discuss, and vote on, is filling the vacancy. A continuation of this vote would be to deny the residents of Ward 2 their proper political representation on this body. They deserve representation. He will support a motion to appoint Kristen Haroian to fill the vacancy.
Councilwoman Renzulli addressed the Council President. “You are already being accused of denying Ward 2 their representation based on what Councilwoman Germain has said. In your own words, when we are presented with allegations of improper and unethical conduct, it is our duty to address them. I am simply saying this is not supposed to be happening right now, based on what Councilwoman Germain said happened. I have questions about it. I have questions for Attorney Angell. I’m not accusing you of this. I was not there, but it came up. Everywhere, people are talking about it. If this were the other way around, you’d be saying the same thing. Thank you.”
President Marino clarified that discussions relative to Councilwoman Germain’s resignation were on the advice of legal counsel. She called for the vote.
Councilwoman Renzulli interjected. She has questions for legal counsel.
Council President Marino advised Councilwoman Renzulli she has not been recognized.
Councilwoman Renzulli called for POINT OF INFORMATION. Atty. Angell is Council’s legal counsel. We don’t know what he said to the Council President. We have a right to know what the advice was of legal counsel. She asked for the Solicitor’s opinion as to whether Council has the right to the information and if Council has the right to go into executive session.
Council President Marino MOVED the question and called for the vote. Every Council member that wished to speak has been heard.
VOTE ON MOTION TO CONTINUE:
Ayes – 3 (Renzulli, Campopiano, Paplauskas)
Nays – 5 (Ferri, Donegan, Wal, Vargas, Marino)
MOTION TO CONTINUE FAILS.
MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to appoint Kristen E. Haroian as Council member for Ward 2.
Councilman Wall, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Vargas, and Councilman Ferri spoke in support of Ms. Haroian’s appointment.
Council President Marino thanked Ms. Haroian. She has big shoes to fill. Ward 2 deserves representation. All Council members will vote their conscience. The body will not always agree, but they should be able to disagree civilly.
VOTE ON MOTION TO APPOINT:
Ayes – 5 (Ferri, Donegan, Wall, Vargas, Marino)
Nays – 2 (Campopiano, Paplauskas)
Abstain – 1 (Renzulli)
Councilman Donegan asked for validity of the abstention.
Atty. Angell ruled Councilwoman Renzulli’s abstention is valid.
MOTION CARRIES.
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Kristen E. Haroian. Afterward, Ms. Haroian took her seat and joined the Council for the remainder of the meeting.
PRESENTATION and discussion of Report to the Community from the Cranston Neighborhood Tree Planting Project (no votes)
Warren Heyman gave the presentation. They are accepting trees for fall planting. The program is open to all property owners and small business owners. Tenants can apply with the permission of the property owner. The trees are planted by a professional.
Sarah Lee referred to the map of plantings. She explained that the inequity among the wards is due to the density of the lots. They are hoping the City Council can get City Planning to help with that, to allow more space for trees.
Council President Marino remarked on the role of trees in water mitigation.
Council Vice-President Vargas asked if the materials are available in Spanish and what type of trees are being planted.
Mr. Heyman can provide materials in Spanish and other languages if requested. They plant native pollinators to support the bees and butterflies.
Councilman Paplauskas asked if there are exceptions to planting only in front yards.
Ms. Lee explained the purpose of the program is to provide shade to paved areas, particularly to replace trees removed from the sidewalks. They do not want to put the contractor in a position to potentially cause property damage. On occasion they will give saplings to property owners to plant themselves.
The following New Business items are listed for reference and for a vote to be referred
to the appropriate Council sub-committee for a public hearing:
04-24-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Zoning” (Change of Zone – 0 Sage Drive); Petition filed by Property Owner John Casale III; to be referred to Ordinance Committee May 16, 2024
(vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to refer Ordinance 04-24-01 to the next Ordinance Committee meeting.
VOTE: Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of May 6, 2024 as follows:
(vote may be taken)
| TYPE OF CLAIM | | CLAIMANT | | DATE OF ALLEGED INCIDENT |
| Personal Injury | | Susan Amaral | | February 15, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Leanne Baker | | March 4, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Teresa M. Mora | | January 6, 2024 |
| Personal Injury | | Kathleen Cota | | May 2, 2021 |
| Personal Injury | | Dayleen Gomez | | March 11, 2024 |
| Personal Injury/Property Damage | | Ataegianna Sanchez Collins | | April 4, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Ray Mooney | | April 4, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Luis Solares | | March 30, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Kassandra Drager | | April 16, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Douglas Stracaluzi | | April 9, 2024 |
| Property Damage | | Michael & Cheryl Goewey | | February 8, 2024 |
MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to refer the claims to the next Claims Committee meeting.
VOTE: Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
RESIGNATION of Robert Santurri, Jr. from the Tax Assessment Board of Review,
effective immediately (term expires 01/05/2026)
RE-APPOINTMENT of Anthony Mastantuono to the Board of Contract and Purchase for the term January 1, 2024 through January 6, 2025; appointed by the Council Minority Leader, Councilwoman Renzulli
APPOINTMENT of Brian A. Moretti to the Board of Contract and Purchase for the term ending January 6, 2025; appointed by the Council Minority Leader, Councilwoman Renzulli
APPOINTMENT of Lauryn Pregoni to the Board of Contract and Purchase for the term ending January 6, 2025; appointed by the Council Majority Leader, Councilman Donegan
MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to adjourn at 8:45 P.M. All Ayes
Minutes approved as written May 28, 2024
Attest:_____________________________
Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk