MINUTES

 

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

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, July 22, 2024 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 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 7:03 P.M. by the Council President Jessica M. Marino

 

II.        ROLL CALL

 

The roll was called by the Clerk.  Stated as present:  Councilman Robert J. Ferri, Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, Councilwoman Kristen E. Haroian, 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:  Asst. City Solicitor John Verdecchia, Budget Analyst/Internal Auditor David DiMaio, Chief of Staff Anthony Moretti, 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)

 

Approval of the minutes of the June 24, 2024 Regular Council Meeting (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve the minutes as presented.      

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

Approval of the sealed minutes of the June 24, 2024 Executive Session

   (vote may be taken) 

 

The minutes were prepared by the Council President, Jessica Marino, and distributed to those present at the executive session in sealed envelopes.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to approve the minutes as written.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 8; Abstain – 1 (Paplauskas)

 

V.        PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS (no votes)

            None

 

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

           

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

 

The following individuals spoke in opposition to proposed Ordinance 07-24-03:

            Tom Wojcik, 11 Hall Place

            Deb Flitman, 400 Scituate Ave

            Gail Johnson, address not provided

            Jess Salter, 6 Vaughn Lane (via Zoom)

            Drake Patten, 684 Natick Ave (via Zoom)

           

Susan Blake, 173 Grand Ave., also spoke in opposition to Ordinance 07-24-03.  She also spoke out against the new planned Budlong Pool and spoke in full support of Councilman Donegan’s proposed Resolution to seek funding for lead safety enforcement.

 

Alan Reyes, 10 Chestnut Ave., member of the Childhood Lead Action Program spoke in favor of the Resolution to seek funding for lead safety enforcement.  Other cities have received grants.  They are available.  It requires political will.

 

Janice Cataldo, 65 Sage Drive; Joe Narcisi, 22 Caraway Drive; and Trish Gilmore, 4 Peppermill Lane spoke in opposition to a Council override of the Mayor’s veto of the Sage Drive zone change.

 

VII.     RESOLUTIONS

 

RESOLUTION Recognizing July 26, 2024 as National Aunt and Uncle Day in the City of Cranston; Sponsored by Councilman Campopiano and Councilwoman Haroian (vote may be taken) 

 

MOTION made by Councilman Paplauskas, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the resolution.

 

The following Councilors asked to be added as co-sponsors:  Ferri, Paplauskas, Donegan, Wall, Renzulli, and Vargas.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

VIII.    REPORTS OF COMMITTEES   

 

A.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE meeting of 

      July 1, 2024:  (meeting cancelled; nothing to report)   (no vote)

 

B.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Ferri, on the SAFETY SERVICES &

     LICENSES COMMITTEE meeting held July 1, 2024:

 

    1. CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE - NEW (Votes may be taken)

        Knightsgrille, LLC, d/b/a Iannuccilli II

        located at 1785 Cranston St.

        Nicholas Iannuccilli (Tuesday-Saturday 4:30pm-10:30pm)

        **OVER THE CAP AND REQUIRES FULL COUNCIL APPROVAL

        Outstanding items required prior to issuance of license by City Clerk:

            -Letter of Good Standing

 

Chairman Ferri reported that the Letter of Good Standing has been received by the Clerk’s office.  He recommended approval.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Donegan, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the Class BV Liquor License for Knightsgrille LLC d/b/a Iannuccilli II.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

    2. CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE - NEW (Votes may be taken)

        Mexico City Tacos & Tequila, LLC d/b/a Mexico City Tacos & Tequila

        located at 1177 Reservoir Ave.

        Robert D. Murray, Esq. on behalf of Ramon Michel

        (Sun-Thurs, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm)

        **OVER THE CAP AND REQUIRES FULL COUNCIL APPROVAL

        Outstanding items required prior to issuance of license by City Clerk:

            -Letter of Good Standing

 

Chairman Ferri reported that the Letter of Good Standing has been received by the Clerk’s Office.  He recommended approval.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilwoman Renzulli to approve the Class BV Liquor License for Mexico City Tacos & Tequila, LLC d/b/a Mexico City Tacos & Tequila.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

C.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE

      meeting held July 1, 2024:

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as recommended by the

Tax Assessor and approved by the Finance Committee July 1, 2024 (with the exception of #46, location 665 Scituate Ave., Michele Tanya Hames) (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Tangible Tax Abatements as recommended by the Tax Assessor and approved by the Finance Committee July 1, 2024 (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

Consideration of Tax Interest WAIVER APPROVALS for the month of June, 2024 as recommended by the City Treasurer and approved by the Finance Committee July 1, 2024 (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to approve.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

6-24-02 ORDINANCE Ratifying the Memorandum of Agreement with IBPO (International Brotherhood of Police Officers), Local Union 301 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026); Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins; Approved by the Finance Committee July 1, 2024   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Council Vice-President Vargas to approve.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

D.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the PUBLIC WORKS

COMMITTEE meeting scheduled for July 11, 2024:   (meeting cancelled; nothing to report)   (no vote)

 

E.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the ORDINANCE

COMMITTEE meeting scheduled for July 11, 2024:  (meeting cancelled; nothing to   report)   (no vote)

 

IX.       PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS (no votes)

 

There was no public comment on undocketed items.

 

X.        ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS   

 

APPOINTMENT of Lisa D. Kirshenbaum to the Public Library Board of Trustees for the term August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2027; as requested by Michael Goldberg, Chairperson   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to appoint  Lisa D. Kirshenbaum to the Public Library Board of Trustees as requested.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

RE-APPOINTMENT of Ivy Swinski to the Zoning Board of Review for the term 7/28/2024 through 7/28/2029   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Wall, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to re-appoint Ivy Swinski to the Zoning Board of Review as requested.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

XI.       REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS   

            None

 

XII.     EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS  

 

CONSIDERATION OF OVERRIDE OF MAYORAL VETO OF ORDINANCE     4-24-01 In Amendment of Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled, “Zoning” (Change of Zone – 0 Sage Drive)   (vote may be taken)

 

* Councilwoman Haroian recused and exited Council Chambers.

 

Director Moretti read aloud Mayor Hopkins veto message.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to override Mayor Hopkins’ veto.

 

Discussion:

 

Councilman Donegan, without divulging details, pointed out that the City’s Solicitor and the Council’s Legal Counsel agree on the legal advice.  He will vote in favor of override.

 

Councilman Ferri has learned things in the last 3 ½ years that have convinced him that Council needs to override the veto.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli has been consistent in her opinion for the last three years.  She does not believe Council has a legal reason to approve the zone change.  She was not satisfied with the school department’s answers to the capacity and effect on services.  This could take money away from affordable housing.  She will not vote to override.

 

Councilman Campopiano asked if tonight’s vote is final.

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia explained if the veto stands, the ordinance is denied.  The applicant can appeal the denial and go to court, same as he did the first time.  If the override is approved, the ordinance takes effect.  There are no further proceedings.

 

Council President Marino reiterated discussions that took place at previous meetings.  Based on the agreement of the City Solicitor and Legal Counsel, and finding the school is not at capacity, and that the school department would have to adapt and evolve to accommodate growth, she will stand by her vote.  No one thinks anyone will move from an encampment to Alpine Estates.  However, it could open up housing if someone living in a median price home can afford to move to Alpine Estates.  Relative to the “domino effect”, every ordinance is individual.  They are not one size fits all.  This specific change would allow eight to ten homes, not a mass conglomerate.  The water and flooding concerns will be mitigated by DEM.

 

VOTE ON MOTION:  Ayes – 5 (Ferri, Donegan, Wall, Vargas, Marino); Nays – 3  (Renzulli, Campopiano, Paplauskas); Recusal – 1  (Haroian).  MOTION FAILS for lack of a 2/3 majority vote in the affirmative.

 

Legal Expense Analysis (no report received from Legal Department as of time of posting)   (no vote)

 

From Planning Director Pezzullo, status report on the Comprehensive Plan  

 

Council President Marino read aloud from an email received by Director Pezzullo after the docket had been published.  She announced the Planning Commission special workshop being held July 23 at 5:00 P.M. 

 

Council Vice-President Vargas intends to follow up with Director Pezzulo because she did not see access to public transportation addressed and that is important.  She will ask the clerk to share any response she receives.

 

Director Moretti reported that Director Pezzullo is progressing well with staffing and we are looking good to forge ahead.

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Renzulli, SECOND by Councilman Donegan to accept Director Pezzullo’s email into the record.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

XIII.    COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS (no votes)   

 

From Council President Marino:

 

·         Congratulations and Best of Luck to our state champions in Cranston girls softball and Cranston boys baseball leagues as they embark on their regional competitions.

 

After offering congratulations, Council President Marino gave the floor to Councilwoman Renzulli to express similar accolades.  Councilwoman Renzulli reported on the progress of the teams.

 

·         Discussion on the status of the construction, infrastructure, road, sidewalk and utility work, and traffic disruptions on Park Avenue and Cranston Street, including the concerns and frustrations expressed by local business owners in that area.

§  What is the projected timeline?

§  What are the stages/types of work completed and to be completed? 

§  What are the efforts being made to reduce the negative impact on nearby businesses and residents? (vote may be taken)

 

Director Moretti provided an update on the timeline.  Park Ave utility work is complete.  Asphalt, concrete, and milling will commence on July 29.  It will be paved following completion which is set for August 29.  Phase 2 in Knightsville is progressing well.  Per the contract, it is to be completed by December 1.  Work will include sidewalks, curbing adjustments, period lighting, trees, paving, and striping.  The negative impact of both projects is a high priority.  The Police Department and Economic Development Director have been instructed to be in continuous communication with the businesses.  The prior Mayor took a band-aid approach to infrastructure, buildings, and the pool.  The Mayor is making progress, but it takes time.  It cannot happen overnight.  The Mayor proposed $200,000 in grants to help the small businesses.  The Council has yet to act.  Passage of the ordinance has been postponed.  The Mayor urges the Council to approve.  The petition is addressed to the Mayor, but the Mayor never received it.  He saw it first on Friday morning.  It should have gotten to the Administration sooner.  He finds it odd that the author is a particular business owner who wanted improvements.  Staff was sent out to determine who propagated the petition and discover the real feelings of the business owners.  In many instances, the petition was signed by an employee, not the business owner.  After discussion, the business owners understood the long-term benefits.  They were able to discern that many would prefer work be conducted overnight, not during the day.  RI Energy and Providence Water do not conduct overnight work unless it is an emergency.  The milling will start around 3am and go through the early afternoon.  There are incremental costs and safety plans to consider.  Major Patalano is here to explain.

 

Major Patalano expanded on the city’s efforts.  Park Ave. has been open the whole time.  Steel plates are being used to cover half the road and keep one lane open.  A former DOT inspector, who is also a resident engineer, has been on site every day working with the contractors.  He suggested Council members urge residents to call the police department dispatch first so their concerns can be addressed immediately.  Emergency incidents do take priority.  The milling of Park Ave. will be done in sections.  There may be detours.

 

Council President Marino was presented with the petition to add to the City Council agenda for discussion.  Everyone wants to minimize the impact.  Some businesses may be intimidated by the police department.  They should not fear retaliation.  Some were not notified in advance.  The utility companies need to notify the city.  She suggested signs be ready indicating the businesses are open.  She added that the pending ARPA litigation has caused the delay in the $200,000 allocation.

 

Councilman Donegan has heard from several of the businesses on the petition in the last eighteen months.  They had a reasonable expectation work would be done.  They sometimes don’t get a lot of notice.  What they are hoping for is better communication.  The city should encourage the utilities.

 

Major Patalano indicated when it is utility work, it is not the city’s responsibility.  The utility company is supposed to hand letters to the businesses. 

 

Councilman Paplauskas commented that the inspector going out has been very effective.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas echoed Councilman Donegan’s statements.  She asked how loud the 3-4 am milling will be.  There are houses right off Park Ave.  She suggested the Administration or Economic Development Director share information with the City Councilor representing the area so they can share it to social media.  It should also be shared on the city’s Facebook page.  There are other avenues of communication. 

 

Major Patalano noted that in the past work was done from 7pm to 7am.  That is disruptive to anyone on the main avenues.  Park Ave is light on residences.  They are trying to balance by starting at 3-4 am and finishing by noon.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli has had several impacted businesses call her.  Any time she called the police department the issue was taken care of.  She agrees it is a good idea to have them call the police department first.  She asked if it would be appropriate to pass an ordinance telling the utility companies to inform us of work to be done.

 

Major Patalano stated the PUC governs utilities.  They have to notify property owners of an outage.  The police department goes door to door with them.  

 

Councilwoman Renzulli referred to the petition.  We cannot tell who the letter came from or who it was written by.  Is it appropriate to accept it into the record if it is anonymous?

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia advised it is completely up to the Council.  The question is really the weight you give the document, not the admissibility.   

 

Council President Marino reiterated there is genuine concern for retaliation and intimidation.  

 

Director Moretti questioned who the word “intimidating” was being directed to.  Mr. Paulino knows all the business owners.  They are not intimidated by him.  He thinks politics is involved.  The Democrats have sponsored a lot of activities of the author.  The word intimidating should be used cautiously.  Franklin Paulino is not intimidating.  He is kind.  He has provided many of the businesses with grants.

 

XIV.    COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS (no votes)

 

From Council Vice-President Vargas:

 

·         Sanders Playground upkeep and maintenance

 

Council Vice-President Vargas spoke to the Parks & Rec. Director, Ray Tessaglia.  She presented a few photos.  She has asked that the crack in the basketball court be sealed, and the grass and shrubs be trimmed, and that the graffiti task force be sent out.  She wants to be sure the Administration is keeping up with routine maintenance and asked if this playground has been added to the list.

 

Director Moretti commented that these were select photos.  He has nice photos that shows the playground is well maintained.  The crack is being sealed.  The playground is on the list.  There is a normal cycle.  He confirmed that the graffiti will be removed.

 

·         Draining of Budlong Pool

 

Council Vice-President Vargas referred to an email submitted by a constituent.  If they are watching, she wanted to reach out, but no contact information was provided.  The water in the pool is stagnant.  It is causing mosquitoes.  Folks are not able to enjoy the area.  The Director told her that mosquito repellant granules have been purchased.

 

Director Moretti confirmed.  Tablet insecticides are tossed in weekly.  This should not be a worry much longer.

 

From Councilman Ferri and Councilwoman Haroian:

 

·         Budlong Pool

§  Update on Bids

§  Budlong Pool Replacement Schedule (Demolition and Construction)

§  Identify construction work to be conducted by city employees

§  Status of the Asbestos Survey (is it complete? what is the estimated remediation cost?)

§  Exact amount of funding left to complete project (in writing; listing total allocated, minus an itemized list of expenses to complete project)

 

Director Moretti presented the Council with a document titled Budlong Pool Project Financial Status as of July 22, 2024.  He reported that the bid was awarded at the July 16 BOCAP meeting to Vantage Builders in the amount of $4,247,747.  Demolition can begin once the pool has been documented for historical and archival purposes, which the city paid $14,000 for.  The work to be done by city employees is minimal.  Once the site has been cleared of hazardous materials (asbestos and lead) we will remove the decking, windows, and doors.  The cost is approximately $300-$350.  No extra expense is anticipated.  He confirmed the city has the equipment.  The asbestos survey was done in February, 2024.  The cost was included in the contract.  It was not itemized.  Subject to change orders, which occur with almost any construction project, there will be a remaining balance of $110,638.    

 

Councilman Ferri asked what will happen if the city spends more than what was allocated?  Will the grant be jeopardized?

 

Director Moretti replied there is always a risk of going over budget.  The grant would not be affected.  The Administration would have to come back to Council to expend more funds.

 

Councilwoman Haroian has been asked when construction will start.  She asked what would happen if there is a change in the Administration.  She also asked for email updates.

 

Director Moretti anticipates the next Administration will honor the contract.  Per the contract, May 15, 2025 is the completion date.  Once construction begins, a timeline can be provided.  It is premature at this point.  He is happy to provide key updates.  Anything more is tedious.  Per charter, it is up to the Administration to administer.  He confirmed for Councilwoman Renzulli that the first phase of work is to be done by the city.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli feels a loose project plan and timeline would result in less questions.  She suggested a monthly update from the Director.  She is not looking to add to Public Works’ workload but thinks regular reports will keep everyone happy.

 

Council Vice-President Vargas agrees with monthly reports to Council.  She wants to be sure everyone is communicating.  There should be key questions for the month to avoid Open Meetings issues or being told it’s not on the agenda.

 

At the request of the Council President, a MOTION was made by Councilman Ferri and SECONDED by Councilman Wall to take the agenda out of order.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 8 (Renzulli was absent for the vote)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to accept the previously discussed petition relative to the road construction.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 8 (Renzulli was absent for the vote)

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Haroian, SECOND by Councilman Ferri to enter into the record the Budlong Pool Project Financial Status of as of July 22, 2024, as presented by Director Moretti, into the record.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

From Councilwoman Renzulli:

 

·         Discussion of possible joint session between the Cranston School Committee and the Cranston City Council (relative to budget changes since submission)

·         Discussion of statewide Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations effective July 1, 2024 and what action(s) Cranston may wish to take

·         Re-Opening of the Park Theatre

·         Congratulations to Cranston’s Youth Softball and Baseball teams as they move through post-season tournament competition

 

Councilwoman Renzulli reiterated her congratulatory remarks.  She has spoken to Major Patalano regarding the LSV’s.  Cities and towns are allowed to create ordinances for specific streets.  Without ordinances, these vehicles can be driven anywhere.  The police department wants to follow the state law.  She wanted to put this on everyone’s radar.  We may start seeing them on our roads.  She has safety concerns.  The Park Theater is re-opening.  It will be managed by Sarah Shevlin of Spectacle Live.  The group is involved with other theaters.  They have several shows on the calendar.  The liquor license has lapsed.  They will appear on a future Safety Services docket.  She would like to know the legal process to call for a joint session of the School Committee and City Council.  Years ago, there were mandatory meetings.  A member of the School Committee asked her to support an open discussion about the budget changes.  She realizes the Council has no control over how the school spends the money. 

 

Council President Marino has spoken with the School Committee President.  A joint session does not appear to be beneficial at this time.  The Council has no role in the expenditure of money in the School Department’s operating budget.  She does not want to give the public a false impression.  There cannot be discussion of the capital budget because of the litigation.

 

Councilman Wall spoke with Mr. Traficante.  He is not interested. 

 

Councilwoman Renzulli wants to understand the process.  Is it up to the School Committee Chair and Council President to agree?  Who holds the power to call such a meeting?  Does any other member?  The School Committee and the Council share constituents.  

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia has not seen this done.  He has no idea how it can legally be done.  Perhaps Attorney Angell or Solicitor Millea would.

 

Councilman Wall knows it has happened, though infrequently.  He believes the School Committee Chair calls the meeting.

 

Councilman Paplauskas thinks the logistics would be similar to a Council joint meeting with the Planning Commission. 

 

Councilwoman Renzulli added that joint meetings happen elsewhere, such as Coventry.  Maybe Attorney Angell can find a way for the two groups to converse and bring forward additional information.

 

From Councilman Paplauskas:

 

·         Congratulations to the Saint Mary’s Feast Society & Ladies Auxiliary and the entire Saint Mary’s parish on celebrating their 119^th annual feast in Knightsville

·         Congratulations to the new class of inductees into the Cranston Athletic Hall of Fame

 

Councilman Paplauskas expressed gratitude and congratulations.  He congratulated Councilwoman Renzulli on her induction into the Cranston Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

XV.     COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER   

            None

 

XVI.    INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 

 

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:

 

Before taking the customary motions, given the public comments, she wants to explain the procedure.  The items listed here have been introduced by the Council or the Mayor.  They are new to the City Council.  Council has not taken any vote or does not have discussion until the item is before the appropriate committee.  Ordinance 7-24-03 discussed this evening is the Mayor’s ordinance.  The sponsor is listed at the bottom of the ordinance.  With respect to the ordinance itself, she needs to mention that in the last 24-48 hours the City Clerk has addressed some errors in the draft provided by Solicitor Millea, namely the title and chapter in the heading.  Solicitor Millea has indicated it is still okay to refer the item to committee as new business.  She asked Solicitor Verdecchia for his opinion.

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia has reviewed the emails.  He agrees with Solicitor Millea.

 

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

 

Discussion:

 

Council Vice-President Vargas asked if each item could be considered individually.

 

Council President Marino asked Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia if there would be a penalty if Council did not vote to refer an item. 

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia reviewed the Charter.  It says all ordinances will be introduced at a Council meeting and then referred out to the appropriate committee.  If it is not referred, it would circumvent the process.  It should be hashed out in committee.  Even though there was an opportunity for public comment tonight, the purpose of the advertisement is the public hearing.

 

Councilman Donegan strongly disagrees with the ordinance, but feels it should go to committee, as a matter of precedent.  He’s never seen an ordinance not go to committee.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli agrees with Councilman Donegan on the issue of moving forward since the Council has not had an opportunity to discuss the ordinance. 

 

Council President Marino thanked Council Vice-President for bringing up the option for Council to mull over.  She prefers to err on the side of caution.  She also noted that, due to scheduling issues, the August 5 Finance Committee, Safety Services Committee, and Claims Committee meetings are all being moved to Thursday, August 15.  The advertisements will contain the correct date.

 

VOTE ON MOTION:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

07-24-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Chapter 12.08.080 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Side, Curb and Driveway Construction’ (Sidewalk Cost Share Program); Sponsored by Councilman Donegan and Council Vice-President Vargas; to be referred to Public Works Committee August 15, 2024    (vote may be taken)

 

07-24-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Chapter 10.40 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Miscellaneous Traffic Regulations’ (Panhandling Ordinance Repeal); Sponsored by Councilman Donegan; to be referred to Ordinance Committee August 15, 2024   (vote may be taken)

 

07-24-03 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 17, Chapter 24 to the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Performance Standards Generally”; Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; to be referred to Ordinance Committee August 15, 2024

(vote may be taken)

 

RESOLUTION Requesting the Administration to seek funding for the enforcement of state and local lead safety laws; Sponsored by Councilman Donegan; to be referred to the Finance Committee August 5, 2024 (vote may be taken)

 

PETITION of Narragansett Electric & Verizon New England, Inc. for installation of 8 new poles and relocation of one pole on Lilya Way; to be referred to the Public Works Committee meeting August 15, 2024 (vote may be taken)

 

CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of August 5, 2024 as follows:

   (vote may be taken)

 

TYPE OF CLAIM                     CLAIMANT               DATE OF ALLEGED INCIDENT

Property Damage                    Christopher Correia                May 22, 2024

Personal Injury                        Juliza Coste                             June 20, 2024

Property Damage                    Jennifer Tammelleo                 July 12, 2024

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to move the block of new business items to their respective committees.

 

At the Council President’s request, the MOTION was WITHDRAWN.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to refer the new business items to their appropriate committees with a correction of the date for the Resolution and Claims to be heard from August 5 to August 15, 2024.

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9 (unanimous)

 

XVII.  INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – NO ACTION NEEDED

 

CORRESPONDENCE from Michael Goldberg, Chairman of the Public Library Board of Trustees, indicating that Trustee Larry O. Warner does not wish to be re-appointed when his term expires on 07/31/2024 (no vote)

 

XVIII.  ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ferri, SECOND by Councilman Wall to adjourn at 8:55 P.M.       All Ayes

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes approved as written August 26, 2024

 

 

Attest:  ______________________________

                   Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk