(The following is not a verbatim transcript of comments or discussion that occurred during the meeting, but rather a summarization intended for general informational purposes.  All motions and votes are the official records).

 

REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL

 

-NOVEMBER 25, 2024-

 

            Regular meeting of the City Council was held on Monday, November 25, 2024 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Cranston, Rhode Island.

 

I.          CALL MEETING TO ORDER:    

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Council President.

 

II.        ROLL CALL:

 

Roll call showed the following members present: Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

Absent:  Council Vice-President Vargas -1.

 

Also Present:  Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; David DiMaio, City Council Budget Analyst; Rosalba Zanni, Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committee; Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist.

 

 

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 October 28, 2024 Regular Council Meeting; as submitted by the City Clerk 

 

APPROVAL of the sealed minutes of the October 28, 2024 Executive Session; as submitted by the City Clerk  

 

APPROVAL of the sealed minutes of the October 28, 2024 Executive Session; as submitted by the Council President  

 

On motion by Councilman Paplauskas, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to take all the above minutes as a block.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to approve all the above minutes as a block.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

V.        PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS 

 

CITATION honoring Nancy Vitulli for her years of service to the City of Cranston as an educator  

 

            Councilman Donegan presented Citation to Ms. Vitulli.

 

 

VI.       PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT  

           

Pat Forde, Executive Director of Libertarian Mutual Aid, appeared to speak and stated that they run a water project and they deliver bulk clean bottled water to nearly 35 locations around central and northern Rhode Island primarily focusing on homeless encampments, meal kitchens, as well as at the sidewalks of a variety of cities, including Cranston.  He appeared to speak regarding the proposed Ordinance 11-24-02 “Public Peace, Morals and Welfare” and stated that this is called offenses against public peace and decency.  If it is an offense against public peace, it is this Ordinance.  If there is an attack on fundamental decency, it is this Ordinance.  He asked the Chair, in the event of homelessness, how many beds and how may facilities are available here in Cranston for people on the street?  Chair stated that this is not a back and forth discussion.  This is public comment and four minutes are allotted and it is the speaker’s opportunity to be heard for four minutes.  It is not a back and forth discussion.  Mr. Forde stated to the Council President that you are legally able to answer the question if you so desire.  He is going to assume, based on the behavior of this City over the last few months in regard to this and going back more than a year or two with your often failed attempt mitigating panhandling, he has to assume that the City of Cranston has essentially declared war on the homeless.  We went through this a few moths ago and the City Council chose not to pass the Ordinance.  An Executive Order was attempted and that did not go well and here we are again.  If you are going to label this law, at least have the decency to call it something like Cranston does not want homeless people on our pure and perfect little municipal streets and sidewalks.  There is plenty of blame to go around, but this is certainly not the solution.

 

Jessica Salter, 6 Vaughn Lane, appeared to oppose to proposed Ordinance 11-24-02 and stated that she is also an employee of Amos House.  She urged the Council to think with compassion about how we might best approach this very real problem in the State of Rhode Island.  The first question that you need to ask is are there enough shelter beds in the City of Cranston to shelter all of these individuals before you remove that encampment and without you having spent too much energy doing that, she can answer that and the answer is no.  As the second largest City in the State of Rhode Island and the geographic center of this State, you can also ask yourself are there enough shelter beds in the State of Rhode Island to shelter these individuals that we are intending to move.  Since before the pandemic, we have had such a drastic increase in the number of unhoused individuals in the State.  It is mind blowing.  She is not in any way arguing that tent encampments are the right answer for anyone because they are not, but until we can offer someone something better, we need to think long and hard about the choices that we are making to destroy property and remove people from what minor sense of safety that they might have.  She encouraged the Council to do away with this Ordinance.  There are so many better ways to be helping the individuals that need this help and none of them are part of this Ordinance.

 

Drake Patten, 684 Natick Ave., appeared to speak regarding proposed Ordinance 11-24-02 and stated that she agrees with Ms. Salter’s comments.  There are professionals in this State who are working in this field who she thinks would be great advisors and we can do better.  She also spoke in support of “Resolution Calling for an Independent Investigation relative to Complaint PC 2024-4766, David Broccoli, et al v. Kenneth Hopkins, The City of Cranston, Anthony Moretti, Paul McCauley, David Rodio and Christopher Millea, et al.” because it is not something that is private enough that it does not involve our City.  People in this room are named in that suit and that is concerning and it becomes more concerning when you look at the legal expenses that were put into the agenda tonight and there are two bills that are being paid or have been paid to defend the Hopkins Broccoli suit.  Those are City resources.  We are taxpayers, we need to know what is going on.

 

Jacob Kramer, 416 Broadway, Providence, appeared to speak to oppose proposed Ordinance 11-24-02 and stated that he is an Outreach Volunteer with the House of Hope and he is a MSW Student at RIC.  Like many people he probably has been aware of homelessness as a problem in our society, but he has never really paid very much attention to it.  He had kind of looked the other way and he is not proud of it.  He then began to do outreach work with House of Hope and he really got to see it up close.  The situation that people are in in the State of Rhode Island are dire.  People are living in places that are unfit for human habitation.  They are living in tents that get flooded.  They are conditions you would not wish on your worst enemy.  They are our neighbors, they are Rhode Islanders and rather than punishment, they deserve help.

 

Robert Murray, Esq., 21 Garden City Dr., appeared to oppose to “Resolution Calling for an Independent Investigation relative to Complaint PC 2024-4766, David Broccoli, et al v. Kenneth Hopkins, The City of Cranston, Anthony Moretti, Paul McCauley, David Rodio and Christopher Millea, et al.” and stated that as he has stated may times, this is a matter in the Court system and it should be litigated without a so-called investigation by a partisan body of legislators.  The allegations of this lawsuit can be easily distinguished.  First, it is a private business matter dispute between the Mayor and Mr. Broccoli over a car and payment terms.  That matter is being considered in the Federal District Court and the Mayor has his own personal counsel handling that and no City expenses are being incurred for those issues.  Then, there are allegations that arise against certain City Departments and a claim filed by Mr. Broccoli to this City Council that was denied in July of 2023.  Those claims involve certain actions taken by City Departments in the normal course of their duties of inspection and enforcement for zoning and land use violations and for the protection of public safety.  Many of those allegations have been reviewed already in three different Courts in Rhode Island.  He referred to a decision from Judge Michael Forte of the Cranston Municipal Court dated August of 2023.  Judge Forte was appointed by this Council and he decided against Mr. Broccoli and one of his business entities in his decision.  While the version of this Resolution on the docket this evening was amended on November 13^th in the Finance Committee, this version is none the less suspect and unnecessary and should be defeated or tabled.  Its wording leaves much to interpretation.  Let the litigation unfold in Court, let there be an airing of these issues in accordance with the law and rules of evidence.  The complaint has already been answered in Court and some allegations are not disputed, but may have been denied.  The Mayor has denied allegations that he ever drove the vehicle in question with the City license plate 30,000 on it.  Let the matter be handled in Court and if down the road, there are issues involving officials conduct or duties, then let a future City Council make a determination at that time. 

 

Meghan Smith, 73 Babcock St., Providence, Outreach Worker with the Rhode Island Street Medicine Program and Professor at Rhode Island College, appeared oppose to proposed Ordinance 11-24-02 and stated that she was present to speak in opposition to the original version of this Ordinance.  Nobody is outside because they want to be outside, nobody is outside because they are just being oppositional to the society for the sake of it.  People are outside because we, as a society, have not given them what they need and what they have the right to to meet their basic needs.

 

Heidi Lavigne, 22 Westhill Dr., appeared via Zoom to oppose to proposed Ordinance 11-24-02 and stated that this Ordinance is a cruel solution to a self-made problem.  Homelessness in Rhode Island climbed to 35% in the last year according to the Public’s Radio.  We have an immense housing shortage in Rhode Island, which is the consequence of a significant shortfall of building homes in the State.  There are not enough beds in Cranston, specifically, which is a failure on the part of the City, as the second largest in the State.  Until there are actually enough safe alternatives and places for people to sleep in the City, she asked that the City Council consider the cruelty of this Ordinance and the very likely unintended consequences.  We must build more housing and adopt a housing first model to address the homelessness crisis.  These are people we know, they are out neighbors.  She asked that the Council strike down this proposal and reserve our energy to actually help the homeless people in Cranston.

 

James Brophy, resident of the East Side of Cranston, appeared to speak via Zoom and stated that he is a constituent who has experienced homelessness.  One of the most terrifying maddening things about living in precarity is you are invisible.  You cease to exist, people do not see you or if they do, they look straight through you.  you are the closest thing to a ghost that can exist.  Instead of eradicating homelessness, we are trying to eradicate homeless people.

 

VII.     RESOLUTIONS

 

            None

 

VIII.    REPORTS OF COMMITTEES  

 

A.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE meeting of November 13, 2024: Report of Claims Paid November, 2024  

 

            No action needed.

 

B.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Ferri, on the SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE meeting held November 13, 2024:

        

NEW CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE   

            Blue Awning, LLC d/b/a makmak EATERY, located at 650 Oaklawn Ave.

            Michael Kudzma; Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-9pm

            OVER CAP / REQUIRES FULL COUNCIL APPROVAL

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

·       Letter of Good Standing

·       Victualing License  (waiting on payment)

 

On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to approve this license application pending receipt of all documents outstanding.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

NEW CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE   

            Los Homies, LLC d/b/a LaEskina, located at 407 Laurel Hill Ave.

            Juan Pablo Sanchez, Francisco Javier Hernandez Huerta & Efren Sanchez

            Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Fri-Sun 9am-9pm

            OVER CAP / REQUIRES FULL COUNCIL APPROVAL

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

·       Victualing License  (waiting on payment and Dept. of Health)

 

On motion by Councilman Paplauskas, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to approve this license application pending receipt of all documents outstanding.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

C.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Donegan, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held November 13, 2024:

 

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

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Paplauskas, it was voted to approve this Resolution.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

RESOLUTION Authorizing Tangible Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Haroian, it was voted to approve this Resolution.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

Consideration of Tax Interest WAIVER APPROVALS for the month of October, 2024 as recommended by the City Treasurer

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to approve this list of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

RESOLUTION Calling for an Independent Investigation relative to Complaint PC 2024-4766, David Broccoli, et al v. Kenneth Hopkins, The City of Cranston, Anthony Moretti, Paul McCauley, David Rodio and Christopher Millea, et al

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to approve this Resolution.

 

Under Discussion:

Director Moretti stated that through this process, he has remained silent on this Resolution intentionally for two reasons.  One being, he is named in the lawsuit and lawyers have advised him that he remain silent even though he knows the truth that he did nothing wrong.  This Resolution is

premature and unnecessary.  This matter should be addressed only if there are facts of wrongdoing.  Anyone can file a lawsuit.  We all know that this lawsuit was brought with highly questionable timing and by a claimant that seemed to have issues with the Mayor in part by not overlooking tax delinquencies.  In the unlikely event that there was any wrongdoing in the job performance of anyone in this Administration, the Council certainly can act at that time.  In the meantime, this Resolution only casts a stain on innocent, dedicated and honest public servants unless they are proven differently in the future.  It is unfair and irresponsible to pre-judge by publicly casting doubt on these people at this time.  Mayor Hopkins has told the truth and welcomed all facts to come out as a lawsuit rolls out.  The Mayor has dedicated his life to public service as a coach, teacher, Council Person ad now Mayor.  He is telling the truth.  Nothing more and nothing less.  This matter has yet to play itself out.  The Mayor deserves the benefit of the doubt.  At this time, it is not in the best interest of the residents of the City to cast doubt.  The City would be better served at that time if concerns actually became a reality.  As for himself, he prides himself in serving in this Administration as a person of integrity and one with pure mind and heart.  Since day one, he has acted honestly and without any impropriety.  Some may disagree with his opinions, but you all know that his actions have been consistently responsible.  There is no reason whatsoever to place his name on this Resolution.  Just because someone drafted a lawsuit with his name in it, that does not give you individually nor this Council the moral right to include him or certain others to be tarnished by this Resolution in your actions.  He did nothing wrong whatsoever.  If wrongdoing, as a result of anyone’s employment is determined, the next City Council can address it.  This Resolution, at this time, is merely to establish a permanent stain on the record and reputations of many innocent people that have given dedicated and honest service to the City of Cranston.

 

Councilman Paplauskas stated that he will be voting against this Resolution.  He appreciates Mr. Moretti’s comments.  This is a civil matter and it should be heard in Court.  He thinks this is premature at this time.

 

Councilwoman Renzulli sated that she has two concerns with this, one being the word “admissions”.  This is a loophole because there is no defining admissions in this.  The second concern she has is there was a point in time when this Council specifically did not take a letter on the record from the ACLU that was based on allegations.  It was called conjecture.  At this point, it is the same situation.  These are just allegations.  Just because we are putting into writing that we are not going to investigate until allegations were admitted or proven, does not mean we are not putting people’s names into the record just as Director Moretti has conveyed and that could be harmful to the people who are presumably innocent until they are proven guilty.  She will not be voting in favor of this this evening.  She agrees that this is political theater as it stands right now.  If someone has been proven to have done something wrong, they should certainly be investigated.  It is also very vague on how that investigation will happen, where the money will come from, who will choose the investigator.  All of this is very vague and it serves its own purpose in her eyes.

 

Councilman Campopiano stated that he agrees with Director Moretti.  He knows the people on this list and he knows them to be honorable loving people and he considers most of them his friends.  He does not like to see their names being dragged through the mud like this.  Once the investigation is done, then we can see where we go from and if it extends to the next Council, so be it.  He will be for it if these allegations come true, but right now, he can’t vote yes for this.

 

Councilman Ferri stated that he believes someone on this Council right now was once dragged through the mud on an accusation for something that he or she did not do and that was brought forth by people that are in this room right now.  If nothing happened, then what is the problem with this Resolution?  It does not accuse anyone of doing anything.  It does not say anybody did anything wrong.  It is not a political football right now because there is no Election.  He asked to be added as co-sponsor.

 

Councilwoman Haroian stated that she will be voting in favor of this this evening because she was that person whose name was put under a black cloud and sent to the State Police.  Voting on this this evening states only if something is proven or admitted.  She has been receiving constituent calls constantly since this started.  They want to know what is going on.  She is friends with some of the people named in this lawsuit.  She feels this is a layer of protection for them and she will be voting in favor of it.

 

Councilman Donegan stated that, as he stated at Finance Committee meeting, he wants this to turn out where the allegations are false.  The way that he views this, from sitting in his seat with the vote, is the question that is asked in this Resolution is if someone admits to using their seat within City government, should that be investigated and as we have heard, he thinks there is an unanimous agreement that the answer is yes.  He will be voting in favor of this this evening.

 

Councilman Wall stated that, as stated before, this is in the Courts.  Hopefully, in the end, we find the truth and hopefully it will be in the positive.  He will be voting in favor of this this evening.

 

Council President Marino stated that if anyone has not yet read the Resolution, she encourages them to read it and it is factual.  The allegations in that complaint are serious allegations.  It is a verified complaint.  It is already public record and City legal expenses are currently being utilized to defend this lawsuit.  No one in this rom asked for this to happen.  No one in this room wants this to cast a black eye on the City, but we cannot shirk away from our responsibility to answer to the public with these allegations currently pending.  No one in this room has made claims or assertions that what is being alleged is true.  All this Resolution is doing is setting forth the complaint, the allegations in the complaint and that they are allegations and if they are proven to be true or they are admitted, then the Council may conduct an independent investigation.  We can sit here and say we have five more weeks, but a lot can happen in five weeks and she knows for herself and believes pretty much all her colleagues, no one in this room called a press conference to discuss this.  No one takes any pleasure in being in this situation, but we cannot shirk away from our responsibility  The Mayor has chosen repeatedly to speak publicly about this and each time he spoke about it, it raised more questions with constituents and with us.  The residents of this City deserve to have the answers.

 

Roll call was taken on motion to approve this Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 5-3.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Wall and Council President Marino -5.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano and Paplauskas -3.

 

RESOLUTION Designating the entire available, unexpended and unencumbered balance of the American Rescue Act (“ARPA”) Restricted Receipt Account for expenditure [Fiscal note]

 

            On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilwoman Haroian, it was voted to approve this Resolution.

 

Under Discussion:

Councilman Donegan stated that he appreciates the efforts of the Council President, the Mayor, Mayor’s staff as well as the Finance Director and all who worked to come to a place to resolve these funds in a way that is something that everyone can say that it is going to help the residents of the City.

 

Council President Marino stated that she is relieved that the ARPA funds will not be wasted.  This is free money that is going to benefit the residents of the City of Cranston.

 

Roll call was taken on motion to approve this Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

D.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE meeting held November 14, 2024:  Nothing to report  

 

E.  Report from the Chair, Council Vice-President Vargas, on the ORDINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held November 14, 2024: 

 

10-24-02          ORDINANCE for the Closure of the Westerly End of Honeysuckle Drive At its Intersection with Phenix Avenue Pursuant to Title 12.04 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Streets and Sidewalks Generally

 

On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to approve this Ordinance.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

10-24-03          ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 12, Section 210 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Through trucking – Prohibited on certain streets”

 

On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to approve this Ordinance.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

IX.       PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS  

 

Carol Cooney, 8 Eva Lane, appeared to speak regarding the mulch fire that occurred last week on Natick Ave.  She stated that she has great concerns of how it began.  She is concerned of the mulch piles that are right next to the property line.  She took photos the night of as well as the day of from her deck and her backyard and presented them to the Council.  She questioned the possibility of having an Ordinance passed to prevent that height of a mulch pile.

 

On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to accept the photos provided by Ms. Cooney into the record.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8.

 

Drake Patten, 684 Natick Ave., appeared to speak regarding the mulch fire on Natick Ave. and stated that there are three stories high piles of leaves and mulch.  The risk of the fire is there at any time of year not simply in the drought time.  As a neighborhood, they have had concerns about this.  They have tried to get some things addressed with the owners.  That has not happened.  This is a serious issue.

 

Linda Hughes, owner of 7 Eva Lane, appeared to speak regarding the mulch fire and stated that it is very common for them to drive by and see smoke coming out of the piles all year long.  This was just something that was going to happen.  The firemen have been there before because it has caught fire over the years.  This is an area with lots of homes, lots of families with kids and it is not safe for anyone with these mulch pikes, 20 or 30 feet high in the air.  She would like to see the City do something about this and to look at the safety of the houses and the people.

 

Council President Marino stated that the fire occurred November 18^th into the 19^th.  Timing of it is why this issue is not listed on this agenda.  She has already asked the Chair of Safety Services and Licenses Committee and the Clerk to place this matter on the agenda for the December 2^nd Safety Services meeting relative to these concerns.

 

X.        ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS    

 

RE-APPOINTMENT of Ralph Baccari to the Juvenile Hearing Board, as Alternate #2, for the term December 1, 2024 through December 1, 2027; as requested by Council President Marino  

 

On motion by Councilman Paplauskas, seconded by Councilman Wall, it was voted to re-appoint Ralph Baccari to the Juvenile Hearing Board.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

XI.       REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS  

 

            None

 

XII.     EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS  

 

Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2024 through November 19, 2024

 

            No discussion.

 

XIII.    COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS   

 

From Council President Marino:

·         Annual Veterans Food Donation Drive in support of Operation Stand Down

November 18 through 30, 2024

 

Council President Marino reminded everyone of the annual Veterans Food Donation Drive in support of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island and stated that there will be collection boxes at all Cranston Libraries, Fire Stations and Police Station.

 

XIV.    COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

 

From Councilwoman Haroian:

·         Budlong Pool Update 

 

Councilwoman Haroian asked Director Moretti when the last HUD application was submitted.

Director Moretti stated that last document submission, he believes, was last Friday.  Councilwoman Haroian asked who submitted those.  Director Moretti stated that it was CDBG Office, Director Tomassiello.  Councilwoman Haroian questioned if the opening date for the pool is still the same.  Director Moretti stated, yes.  Construction should begin the week of December 17^th.  Councilwoman Haroian asked that if there is anything public, she be included since she represents the Ward the pool is in.

 

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:

 

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; Referred to Finance Committee December 2, 2024 [tentative agreement] [redline 2021-2024 contract] [fiscal note]

 

11-24-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 9, Chapter 4 to the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Offenses Against Public Peace and Decency”; Sponsored by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins; Referred to the Ordinance Committee December 5, 2024 [CPD Memo]

 

ADVICE AND CONSENT of Mayor Hopkins’ appointment of Steven Piscopiello as Director of Parks and Recreation; to be referred to Special Finance Committee December 16, 2024  

 

PETITION from Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England Inc. for installation of new pole on Charles St.; to be referred to Public Works Committee December 5, 2024

  

PETITION from Narragansett Electric for installation of new pole on Pontiac Ave.; to be referred to Public Works Committee December 5, 2024

  

             

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Haroian, it was voted to refer all items of new business to their respective committees.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

XVII.  EXECUTIVE SESSION 

 

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   

 

On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilwoman Haroian, it was voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) pertaining to collective bargaining or prospective or actual litigation matters as listed above.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

The Council convened in Executive Session at 8:25 P.M.

 

XVIII. RETURN OPEN SESSION

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to come out of Executive Session.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

 

Meeting came out of Executive Sesson at 8:45 P.M.

 

On motion by Councilman Wall, seconded by Councilwoman Haroian, it was voted to seal the minutes of Executive Session.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Haroian, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Paplauskas, Wall and Council President Marino -8. 

 

            Council President Marino stated that no votes were taken in Executive Session.

 

XIX.    INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – NO ACTION NEEDED

 

 

            None.

 

XX.     ADJOURNMENT

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                        Rosalba Zanni

Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committees

 

 

 

 

 Minutes approved as written December 16, 2024

 

 

Attest:  _____________________________

                   Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk