MINUTES

 

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024, at 7:00 P.M.

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, January 22, 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.

 

The 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 by Council President Jessica M. Marino at 7:03 P.M. 

 

II.                ROLL CALL

 

The roll was called by the Clerk.  Stated as present:  Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, Councilman Richard D. Campopiano, Councilman Christopher G. Paplauskas, Councilman Daniel Wall, Council Vice President Lammis J. Vargas, and Council President Jessica M. Marino.  Absent:  Councilman Robert J. Ferri, Councilwoman Aniece Germain and Councilman John P. Donegan.  Also present:  Legal Counsel Stephen Angell, Asst. Solicitor John Verdecchia, Budget Analyst/Internal Auditor David DiMaio, and City Clerk Tracy A. Nelson.   

 

III.             PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body.

 

IV.             APPROVAL OF MINUTES   (votes may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to consider the three sets of minutes as a block.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

Approval of the minutes of the December 18, 2023 Regular Council Meeting 

 

Approval of the sealed minutes of the December 18, 2023 Executive Session

 

Approval of the minutes of the December 19, 2023 Regular Special Council Meeting

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the block of minutes.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

V.                PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

            None

 

VI.             PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT   (Votes may be taken)

           

The following individuals offered public comment on docketed items via Zoom:

 

Annette Bourne, 51 Community Dr. commended Director Pezzullo, the staff, and the consultant on the Comp Plan website.  She is disappointed that Wednesday’s public workshop has been cancelled.

 

Greg Nordin, 77 Edgewood Ave. recently noticed the quality of trash collection has declined.  Bins are not being fully emptied and they are being damaged.  He called the Public Works Dept. and was told there is no method for the city to evaluate collection.

 

Drake Patten, 684 Natick Ave. was not aware the Planning workshop had been cancelled until she heard Ms. Bourne’s earlier comments.  She would like details.

 

VII.          RESOLUTIONS

            None

 

VIII.       REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

 

Council President Marino pointed out a scrivener’s error on page 3 of the docket, under Reports of Committees.  Ordinance 11-23-01 was actually reported out of the Ordinance Committee on January 11, 2024.

 

A.  Report from the Chair, Councilwoman Germain, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE 

      January, 2024 claims paid   (no vote) 

 

No action taken.

 

B.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE  meeting held January 8, 2024:

 

In the absence of Chairman Donegan, the Vice-Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas reported on the Finance Committee.

 

Consideration of Tax Interest Waiver APPROVALS for the month of December, 2023 as requested by the City Treasurer   (vote may be taken)  

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the tax interest waiver approvals as requested.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as recommended by the Tax Assessor   (vote may be taken)  

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the real estate tax abatements as requested.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

Council Vice-President Vargas, as Chair of the Ordinance Committee, reported on the following action taken at the Ordinance Committee meeting of January 11, 2024.

 

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; Approved by the Finance Ordinance Committee January 8 11, 2024   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve Ordinance 11-23-01 as presented.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

IX.             PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS   (no votes)

 

Diana Gordon, 85 Briggs St., lives in senior housing.  She spoke of break-ins and drug users living there, as allowed by a law passed by the General Assembly.  She contacted the Housing Authority, who referred her to the Police Dept., and they referred her back to the Housing Authority. She may form a Crime Watch.

 

Susan Blake, 173 Grand Ave., spoke about Budlong Pool.  At the Finance Committee meeting two weeks ago she asked about the status of the bid.  Mr. Moretti told her it would be very soon.  She hasn’t seen it yet.  She questioned an item on tomorrow evening’s BOCAP agenda; a change order for $12,000.  The pool is full and frozen.  Additional rain may cause overflow and contamination. 

 

Patricia Lannon, 132 Fordson Ave., Unit 4 expressed concern about trash removal from the recent flooding.  Waste Management will not come unless the property manager calls.  Residents on the 3^rd and 4^th floor have been removed by boat twice now.  She appreciates the efforts of the Fire Dept. and Red Cross.

 

Dante` Marinaro, 132 Fordson Ave., Unit 3, contacted the Public Works Dept. and was told the city has no plans to help the residents.  He bought his condo seven years ago thinking the 2010 flooding was a single event.  The flooding on January 10 happened quickly.  It appears water is being retained and then suddenly released.

 

Dawn White, 132 Fordson Ave., has never experienced anything like this.  She was taken by boat.  Her condo was not damaged, but she is concerned about mold from the first floor.  She is also concerned about the trash.  She expects more help from the city.  This will be an ongoing problem.

 

Maureen Mangione, 13 Paine Ave., stated the sidewalks need to be cleaned.  According to ordinance, snow is to be removed by the owner.  Why should the residents clean the hydrants and sidewalks?  The city owns them.  Many are broken.  This is the third time she has complained, but the first time she has come to a Council meeting. 

 

Raine Rabb, 131 Fordson Ave., is concerned about the river flooding.  It came up so fast it was alarming.  In 2010 it was bad, but it hasn’t flooded like this in ten years.  The amount of misinformation she hears is overwhelming.  She’s had to find a new place to live.  There are 16-24 units on the first floor affected.  Should they move back in and hope it doesn’t happen again?  The trash is unacceptable.  She also referred to a manhole cover that needs to be cleared.

 

Dante` Marinaro spoke a second time to address flooding on the side streets.

 

Julie Garrett, Public Affairs Specialist for the Office of Disaster Assistance and Resilience with the U.S. Small Business Administration, is here to talk about FEMA and SBA assistance available for the declared disaster from the September 10-13 flooding.  She met with the Mayor and staff.  There will be an information session at the senior center on Monday from 2-6 pm.  While the more recent floods have not yet been declared disasters, those affected can still come to learn about the grants and low interest loans.  She provided each member of Council with a copy of handouts.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to accept the handouts as part of the record.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

Richard Santamaria of the SBA works alongside FEMA to assist those displaced.  He urged residents to visit one of the disaster recovery centers.

 

Council President Marino closed public hearing.  She requested an item for the February 15 Public Works Committee meeting to discuss flooding events throughout the city from September through the current day, including a status update on FEMA and state assistance, remediation, and mitigation.

Council Vice-President Vargas also requested discussion of the trash removal at this property (Riverview Apts.) be placed on the Public Works Committee agenda.

 

X.                ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

 

RE-APPOINTMENT of John Skorupski, by Mayor Hopkins, as Tree Warden for the year 2024   (no vote)   No action taken.

 

APPOINTMENT of Kirk McDonough as Democratic Board Member of the Cranston Board of Canvassers for a term to expire March 3, 2025; as nominated by Mayor Hopkins

(vote to be taken)  

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to appoint Mr. McDonough to the Cranston Board of Canvassers as requested.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

APPOINTMENT of Richard Boehm as Democratic Alternate of the Cranston Board of Canvassers for a term to expire March 5, 2029; as nominated by Mayor Hopkins

(vote to be taken) 

 

Council President Marino announced that Mr. Boehm has withdrawn his name from consideration.  No action taken.

 

XI.             REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

            None

 

XII.          EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

 

Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2023 to January 17, 2024

(no vote)  

 

Council President Marino referred to the report.  It has been mentioned at previous meetings that certain firms were not included on the report.  She knows of two.  She asked that Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia bring this to the attention of Solicitor Millea.  She will request this item be placed on the February 5, 2024 Finance Committee agenda.

 

From Planning Director Pezzullo, status report on the Comprehensive Plan   (no vote)    

 

Director J. Pezzullo announced the public meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening has been cancelled due to an unexpected issue raised regarding remote access.  It was never intended to be a Zoom meeting or hybrid.  He spoke to Solicitor Millea and Asst. Solicitor Marsella.  The ordinance needs to be amended to take the charette format into consideration.  They will discuss next month.  The consultant has indicated it is almost impossible to gather data with remote access in this non-traditional format.  The attendees will be broken into groups.  There will be over-lapping conversations.  Remote access was a necessity a few years ago, but it does not help public engagement or result in more or better comments.  In the meantime, they will continue to move forward with drafting chapters.  They were on target.  He is willing to discuss, but with overlapping conversations, it is not ideal.  The intention was for public discussion to take place in person.  There would need to be 8-10 cameras.  It is possible, but complex.  The consultant has never seen it done that way.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli referenced the National Charette Institute.  She is seeking video recording for people who cannot attend in person.  While it might be a challenge, it is not impossible.  Council had similar public forums while discussing the ARPA funding.  She would like to find a way to increase the amount of participation; even if comments need to be emailed later.  The people in the community will be affected by the Comprehensive Plan.  The purpose is to be more transparent and encourage more engagement. 

 

J. Pezzullo reiterated the consultant disagrees.  It doesn’t garner the same type of input.  The workshop is not about the public listening to us.  It is about us listening to the public.  Can it be done?  Yes.  Is it effective?  No.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas knows a lot of residents were looking forward to Wednesday’s workshop.  It is long overdue.  If Wednesday had moved forward, what would be the next steps?  Will an additional workshop be held in each ward?

 

J. Pezzullo answered the consultant and staff are working on writing the plan.  The public workshop is a requirement of the state.  The Planning Commission will continue to hear feedback.  There is not sufficient time to hold additional workshops in this phase.  It may be possible in phase 2.  Once the Council adopts the plan and it is submitted, phase 2 will commence.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas would like to understand the phases.

 

J. Pezzullo explained there are two phases.  Phase 2 is when we get into the goals and objectives.  Phase 1 is truncated because of state law.  The update needs to be submitted by summer.  There will only be one public forum in phase 1.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas understands Councilwoman Renzulli’s point.  She asked Director Pezzullo to work with the consultant on other creative ways to share the information.  This plan is for the next ten years.  She wants to be sure folks are engaged and get involved in phase 2.

 

Council President Marino thanked Director Pezzullo and the Planning Commission for their efforts.  She summarized the Director’s earlier statements as to the phases.  She is disappointed the workshop will not go forward.  In terms of online engagement, she has attended many forums with multiple meeting rooms and live session breakouts that then convene to report back.  She encouraged the Director to communicate with Tom Lima to coordinate.  She added there is not time to convene to change the ordinance, due to the process required and notice requirements. 

 

Director Pezzullo responded that the entire workshop is a breakout session.  He suggested continuing the conversation offline.  The suggestion is a remedy.  It is not ideal.  It is far from what he envisioned.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli noted there was also supposed to be a presentation from the consultant.  She does not believe that having more ways to participate won’t increase participation.  Perhaps this is not being conveyed to the consultant because the Director does not agree.  She agrees with the Council President.  It can be figured out.

 

Consideration of Request from Major Robert Quirk for one year continuation of service with the Cranston Police Department for the period of September 8, 2023 to September 8, 2024    (vote may be taken) 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the one-year continuation of service as requested by Major Quirk.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

XIII.       COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS   (no votes)

Update from the administration regarding the status of the city of Cranston’s participation in the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s Community Septic System Loan Program

 

Council President Marino referred to the Council’s resolution.  She felt the Administration was committed to participation.  It has come to her attention the city has not yet signed up. 

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia has communicated with Director Moretti.  DEM has approved the city’s wastewater management report.  That was a pre-requisite to apply.  The loan program application has been submitted and is pending approval.

 

Council President Marino stated at the time she spoke to Director Moretti, she was told the wastewater report was submitted.  The Administration was to work with legal and finance, through RI Housing.  She is surprised to hear we are at the same place we were months ago.  She confirmed the program application was only submitted today.  That limits her ability to trust in good faith.  She will be placing this on the next Public Works agenda and the next full Council meeting in February for a status.  There are constituents in need.

 

XIV.       COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS   (no votes)

 

From Council Vice President Vargas: 

 

·         Pawtuxet Village bike racks request

 

Council Vice-President Vargas is working with the Administration on placing bike racks in Pawtuxet Village.  They are ordering two.  There are currently none.  They reduce the number of cars.  He spoke with the interim Public Works Director.  They have one proposed location. 

 

·         Waste Management contract; trash/recycling collection

 

Council Vice-President Vargas thanked the resident of Ward 1 that spoke on Zoom and other residents who have reached out. She received an updated copy of the contract, as requested, from the Administration.  It is over 90 pages.  She would like time to review and ask questions.  There are more issues than just collection delays; such as broken bins and leakage of hydraulic liquid.  It is possible a show cause hearing will be needed.  She requested this item be added to the February 15 Public Works Committee agenda.   

 

XV.          COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER   (votes may be taken)

             None

 

XVI.       INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS (votes may be taken)

 

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:

 

ADVICE AND CONSENT on Mayor Hopkins’ Appointment of Robert Ryan as Fire Chief; to be referred to the Finance Committee February 5, 2024  

(vote may be taken) 

 

RESOLUTION Related to a Federal Grant to the City of Cranston valued at 7.2 Million Dollars; Sponsored by Councilwoman Renzulli and Councilman Donegan; to be referred to the Finance Committee meeting of February 5, 2024  

(vote may be taken)  

 

RESOLUTION Proposing Amendment to Section 4.02 of the Cranston Home Rule Charter and Directing the Secretary of State to Place on the Ballot the following as a Referendum Question (Chapter 4, Department of Records, Section 4.02 Judge of Probate); Sponsored by Council President Marino; to be referred to the Ordinance Committee meeting of February 15, 2024

            (vote may be taken) 

 

RESOLUTION Proposing Amendment to Section 8.01 of the Cranston Home Rule Charter and Directing the Secretary of State to Place on the Ballot the Following as a Referendum Question (Department of Law); Sponsored by Council President Marino; referred to Ordinance Committee meeting of February 15, 2014

(vote may be taken) 

 

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”; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth Hopkins and Councilwoman Renzulli; to be referred to the Ordinance Committee meeting of February 15, 2024  

(vote may be taken)  

 

01-24-02   ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 5 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled “Business Licenses and Regulations”; Sponsored by Councilman Ferri, Councilman Donegan, and Council President Marino; to be referred to the Safety Services Committee meeting of February 5, 2024

(vote may be taken) 

 

01-24-03   ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 5, Chapter 04, Section 100 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled “Fees for Licenses, Permits and Recordings.”; Sponsored by Councilman Ferri, Councilman Donegan, and Council President Jessica Marino; to be referred to the Safety Services Committee meeting of February 5, 2024  

(vote may be taken) 

 

CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of February 5, 2024 as follows:   (vote may be taken)

 

   TYPE OF CLAIM                 CLAIMANT                 DATE OF ALLEGED INCIDENT

   Personal Injury                     Stephen Vezina                       11/17/2023

 

MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to consider all new business items as a block.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Vargas, SECOND by Councilman Paplauskas to refer all new business items listed above to the respective committee.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 6  (unanimous vote of the members present)

 

XVII.    ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to adjourn at 8:29 P.M.                        All Ayes

 

 

 

Minutes approved as written February 26, 2024

 

 

ATTEST:_______________________________

             Tracy A. Nelson, CMC

                      City Clerk