MINUTES

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024, at 7:00 P.M.

 

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM. in the Cranston City Council Chambers, Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, RI  02910 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.

 

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Council President Jessica Marino.

 

II.        ROLL CALL

 

The roll was called by the Clerk.  Stated as present:  Councilman Ferri Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Donegan, Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Wall, Council Vice-President Vargas, and Council President Marino.  Also present:  Asst. Solicitor John Verdecchia, Budget Analyst David DiMaio, Legal Council Stephen Angell, Director of Administration Anthony Moretti, and City Clerk Tracy Nelson.

 

III.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Pledge of Allegiance, led by Troop 66, was recited by the body.

 

IV.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES   (vote may be taken to take all as a block)

 

APPROVAL of the minutes of the November 25, 2024 Regular Council Meeting (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECONDED by Councilman Campopiano, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to approve the minutes as written.

 

APPROVAL of the sealed minutes of the November 25, 2024 Executive Session (vote may be taken)

 

The minutes were prepared by the Council President and distributed by the Clerk in sealed envelopes to the Council members that were present in the executive session.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to approve the minutes as written.

 

 

V.        PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

 

CITATIONS Honoring Middle School Cross Country City Champions and All City Teams   (no vote)

 

Councilwoman Renzulli offered congratulations and presented citations to the Boys All- City Cross-Country Team, the Girls All-City Cross-Country Team, the Boys Cross- Country City Champions, and the Girls Cross-Country City & Division Champions.

 

At the request of Council President Marino, a MOTION was made by Councilman Wall and SECONDED by Councilman Donegan to take the agenda out of order.  Ayes – 8  (Renzulli absent for vote)

 

At this time, Council President Marino spoke and presented Councilman Donegan with a plaque to commemorate his time on the City Council.  Council Vice-President Vargas, Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Wall, Councilman Campopiano, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Ferri, and Councilwoman Haroian all spoke in honor of Councilman Donegan.  Councilman Donegan gave his farewell remarks.

 

VI.       PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Public hearings under this section are limited to DOCKETED subject matters only.

 

Susan Blake, 173 Grand Ave., spoke relative to Budlong Pool.  Updates have slipped below the radar.  There was a change order in the amount of almost $25,000.  It is now mid-December.  The bid was awarded in the spring.  There are no construction workers on site.  Last summer Karen Rosenberg submitted a public records request.  The Administration provide a scattered and woefully inadequate response.  Ms. Rosenberg appealed to the Attorney General’s office.  They ruled on the appeal in favor of Ms. Rosenberg.  The pool is still holding water.  It doesn’t and never did leak.

 

VII.     RESOLUTIONS

None

 

VIII.    REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

 

A.    Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE meeting of December 2, 2024: Report of Claims Paid   (no vote)

 

Chairman Wall had nothing further to report.

 

B.     Report from the Chair, Councilman Ferri, on the SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE meeting held December 2, 2024:    (nothing to report)   (no vote)

 

Chairman Ferri announced there will be a Special Safety Services meeting December 19 for dozens of businesses without approved licenses.  After that point, it will be in the hands of Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia to address any businesses that have not complied.

 

C.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held December 2, 2024:

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor and recommended for approval by the Committee December 2, 2024 (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to authorize the real estate tax abatements as requested.

 

 

Consideration of Tax Interest WAIVER APPROVALS for the month of November, 2024 as recommended by the City Treasurer and recommended for approval by the Committee December 2, 2024   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and unanimously APPROVED to authorize the tax interest waiver approvals as requested.

 

11-24-01 ORDINANCE Ratifying School Committee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Rhode Island Council 94 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Cranston Public School Employees, Local 2044 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027); Pursuant to City Charter Section 11.02.1; Committee recommended approval December 2, 2024

(vote may be taken)  [tentative agreement] [redline 2021-2024 contract]  [click to view fiscal note]

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to ratify the contract as presented.

 

ADVICE AND CONSENT of Mayor Hopkins’ appointment of Stephen Piscopiello as Director of Parks and Recreation; Referred out of committee December 16, 2024 (vote may be taken) 

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECONDED by Councilman Campopiano, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to appoint Stephen Piscopiello as the Parks and Recreation Director, as requested by Mayor Hopkins.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli spoke in favor of the appointment.

 

Councilman Donegan and Council President Marino recognized the service of Director Tessaglia.

 

D.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE meeting held December 5, 2024:

 

10-24-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Chapter 12.08.080 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Construction’ (Sidewalk Cost Share Program); As Amended 11/14/2024; Sponsored by Councilman Donegan and Councilman Campopiano; Committee recommended approval 12/5/2024 (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECONDED by Councilwoman Renzulli and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to adopt Ordinance 10-24-01 as amended in committee.

 

Council President Marino noted that all Council members had been asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

PETITION for the Abandonment of a portion of Elmhurst Avenue; Petitioner: Bryan D. White; Referred out of committee 12/5/2024 (vote may be taken) [Plan Comm Recommendation]

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia recommends Council vote to return the petition to the Public Works Committee versus continuing to the next meeting.  This is a work in progress with many I’s to be dotted and T’s to be crossed.  There will be several new Council members in January.  Attorney Robert Murray has no objection.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECONDED by Councilman Donegan, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to refer the Petition for Abandonment back to the Public Works Committee.

 

E.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the ORDINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held December 5, 2024:

 

 

09-24-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 30, Section 020 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Stop Intersections – Enumerated’ (Flint Ave at intersection with Packard St.); As Amended 11/14/2024; Sponsored by Councilman Donegan, Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Wall, Councilman Campopiano, Councilwoman Renzulli, and Council Vice-President Vargas   (Vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to adopt Ordinance 9-24-02 as amended in committee.

 

Council President Marino and Councilwoman Haroian asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

IX.       PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS   (no votes)

 

No public comment.

 

X.        ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

 

APPOINTMENT of Sarah Frew (currently 1st  Alternate) as full member of the Tax Assessment Board of Review; effective January 6, 2025 through January 6, 2028; replacing Keith Lavimodiere; as requested by the Tax Assessor

(vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECONDED by Councilman Donegan, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to appoint Sarah Frew as full member of the Tax Assessment Board of review as requested.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli originally sponsored Ms. Frew’s appointment as an alternate.

Her resume was submitted at that time.  She reviewed Ms. Frew’s qualifications.

 

APPOINTMENT of Mario Carlino to the Zoning Board of Review as Second Alternate for the unexpired term ending July 12, 2025; as requested by Council President Marino

(vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECONDED by Councilman Wall to appoint Mario Carlino to the Zoning Board of Review as Second Alternate as requested.        Ayes – 8  (Ferri absent for vote)

 

XI.       REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

None

 

XII.     EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

 

Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2024 through December 16, 2024

(no vote) 

 

No questions or comments.

 

REQUEST from Robert Ryan, Fire Department Chief, to be placed on the pension roll effective at the end of day January 3, 2025   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to place Fire Chief Robert Ryan on the pension roll as requested.

 

Director Moretti received the request with regret.  Mr. Ryan has served the city well since his days as janitor.  The collective bargaining agreement requires Mr. Ryan’s retirement.

 

Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Wall, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Paplauskas, and Council President Marino wished Mr. Ryan well in his retirement.

 

 

XIII.    COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS   (no votes)

 

From Council President Marino:

 

·         Flooding events from September to current throughout the City; status of FEMA, State and other assistance; remediation and mitigation efforts

 

Per Council President Marino, this item can be moved to the next Public Works agenda.

 

·         Status of the city’s annual financial audit

 

As mentioned earlier, the audit is due to be finalized and submitted by the deadline without the need for an extension from the state.  Once Council has received the audit, the auditing firm will do a presentation.

 

·         Farewell address to Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Donegan, and Council Vice-President Vargas

 

At this time, Council President Marino will move on to Council member communications and save the remaining farewells until the end of the meeting.

 

XIV.    COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS  (no votes)

 

From Councilwoman Haroian:

 

·         Budlong Pool Update

 

Director Moretti reported they are in the final required advertising period needed for the federal grant.  This is the last step before the government releases the funds.  As of last week, he was not aware of any objections.  With no further input, we can expect approval from HUD and work will commence.

 

Councilwoman Haroian asked if the work would continue through the winter. Director Moretti confirmed inside work will.  Outside work is weather dependent. Councilwoman Haroian inquired about the extra money approved by BOCAP. Director Moretti replied it is still within the allotted $4.7 million.

Councilman Ferri asked what the $25,000 is for.

 

Director Moretti does not have that information.  Public Works would.  It is within the budgeted amount.  Change orders are typical.  It had to do with satisfying the historical requirements for the federal government.  When Ms. Rosenberg stepped in, it delayed the project.  The change order is the result of public input.

 

XV.     COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER

None

 

XVI.    INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri and SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to consider all new business items as a block.  Upon request of the Council President, the motion was WITHDRAWN.

 

 

CONSIDERATION of the draft 2025 regular meeting schedule of the City Council, Claims Committee, Safety Services & Licenses Committee, Finance Committee, Public Works Committee, and the Ordinance Committee

(vote may be taken) 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to adopt the 2025 calendar of meetings for the City Council and Committees as presented.

 

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:

 

PETITION from Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England Inc. for relocation of pole on Elwyn St.; to be referred to Public Works Committee January 16, 2025

(vote may be taken)

 

CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of January 13, 2025 as follows:  (vote may be taken)

 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECONDED by Councilman Ferri, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to consider the two remaining new business items as a block.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECONDED by Councilman Wall, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED to refer both items of new business to their respective committees.

 

At this time, Council returned to Council President Communications:

 

·         Farewell address to Councilman Paplauskas, Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Donegan, and Council Vice-President Vargas

 

Council President Marino and Councilman Campopiano presented Councilman Paplauskas with a plaque to commemorate his time on the City Council.  Councilman Paplauskas gave his farewell remarks.  Council members spoke in his honor and wished the Representative-elect luck in his new role.

 

Council President Marino and Councilman Campopiano presented Councilwoman Renzulli with a plaque to commemorate her time on the City Council.  Councilwoman Renzulli gave her farewell remarks.  Council members spoke in her honor.

 

Council President Marino, Councilman Wall, and Councilwoman Haroian presented Council Vice-President Vargas with a plaque to commemorate her time on the City Council.  Council Vice-President Vargas gave her farewell remarks.  Council members spoke in her honor and wished the Senator-elect luck in her new seat.

 

Council President Marino, Councilman Wall, and Councilwoman Haroian presented Councilman Ferri with a plaque to commemorate his time on the City Council. Councilman Ferri gave his farewell remarks. Council members spoke in his honor.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas, on behalf of the entire City Council, presented Council President Marino with a plaque and gavel, thanking her for her leadership.  Council President Marino expressed her gratitude.

 

XVII.  EXECUTIVE SESSION  (vote may be taken to move to executive session)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Donegan to convene in a closed session pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) pertaining to collective bargaining or prospective or actual litigation matters as listed below:

Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) pertaining to collective bargaining:

Update on the Administration’s negotiations and contract details relative to: Collective Bargaining Agreement for Teamsters Local 251, affiliated with the

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Municipal Employees for the term beginning

July 1, 2024   (votes may be taken*)

 

Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council on behalf of Local Union 1322, Providence, Rhode Island, of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, AFL-CIO for the term beginning July 1, 2024

(votes may be taken*)

 

The roll was called by the Clerk:  Ayes – 9  (Ferri, Renzulli, Haroian, Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Vargas, and Marino)

 

The Council convened in executive session at 9:05 P.M.

 

XVIII. RETURN OPEN SESSION   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan and SECONDED by Councilman Wall to return to open session at 9:14 P.M.

 

Ayes – 7  (Renzulli, Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall, Vargas, Marino);

Abstain – 1  (Ferri – not present in executive session) (Councilwoman Haroian was absent for the vote)

 

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

 

XIX.    INFORMATIONAL ITEMS –  NO ACTION NEEDED

 

2025 Municipal Court Quarterly Calendars   (no vote) 

 

XX.     ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECONDED by Councilman Ferri to adjourn at 9:15 P.M.            All Ayes

 

Respectfully submitted, Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk

 

Minutes approved as written January 27, 2025

 

Attest:

Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk