I.                   CALL TO ORDER

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

II.                ROLL CALL

The roll was called by the clerk.  Stated as present:  Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Buonanno, Councilwoman Graziano, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Andujar, Councilman Ritz, Councilman Traficante, Council Vice-President Wall, and Council President Marino.  Also present:  Legal Counsel Stephen Angell, Internal Auditor David DiMaio, Asst. Solicitor John Verdecchia, Solicitor Millea, Director of Administration Anthony Moretti, and City Clerk Tracy Nelson.

III.             PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body. 

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

V.                PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS 

CITATIONS of Congratulations to the State Champions, Cranston East Little League, 13-14-year-old boys   (vote may be taken)

The Citations were presented by Council President Marino and Councilwoman Graziano.

VI.             PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT – DOCKETED ITEMS

There was no public comment on docketed items.

VII.          RESOLUTIONS

            None

VIII.       REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

IX.             PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS   (no votes)

Pauline DeRosa, 97 Cypress Dr. spoke about two long-term issues that remain unresolved.  One is ongoing traffic concerns at the intersection of Sokanosset Crossroad and Hillside Drive.  In 2019 she was told by the Public Works Department the only opportunity to resolve the issue would be when all the construction in this corridor was complete.  She does not see that happening soon.  She wonders how long some of the buildings will stay vacant.  She also referred to a pile of fill at Top Golf.  She was told by the Carpionato Group that it would be used on other projects.  It has not diminished much.  She would like these issues addressed. 

Robert Ferri, 2426 Cranston St. commented there are many distractions currently in Cranston that are getting more attention than they deserve.  Meanwhile, there are hundreds of children without access to a pool.  It appears the pool has been forgotten.  It is almost September, the end of summer, and school is starting.  It is his understanding, from his time on the Council, that if the pool wasn’t built by the end of the year, we would lose the money.  He asked if that is true.  If so, what pressure is being put on the Administration?  The mayor was given $4.75 million almost three years ago.  Three years later, there is no pool.  There is a deadline.  He is disappointed the pool was not on the Council’s agenda.

X.                ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS   

APPOINTMENT of Carol A. Cooney, currently serving as 1^st Alternate, to the Tax Assessment Board of Review as Member 3, for the unexpired term ending January 5, 2026   (vote may be taken)

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to appoint Carol A. Cooney to the Tax Assessment Board of Review as member 3.           Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

APPOINTMENT of Justin McCarthy to the Tax Assessment Board of Review as Alternate 1 (replacing Carol A. Cooney) for the unexpired term ending January 28, 2026

   (vote may be taken)

MOTION made by Councilwoman Haroian, SECONDED by Council Vice-President Wall to appoint Justin McCarthy to the Tax Assessment Board of Review.

            Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

RE-APPOINTMENT of Dean Perdikakis to the Zoning Board of Review, as representative from Ward 4 or Ward 6, for the term 10/05/2025 to 10/05/2030; as requested by Councilwoman Haroian and Councilman Buonanno   (vote may be taken)

Councilman Buonanno offered his endorsement of Mr. Perdikakis and encouraged Council to re-appoint him.

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to re-appoint Dean Perdikakis to the Zoning Board of Review.

            Ayes – 8  (Campopiano, Buonanno, Graziano, Haroian, Ritz, Traficante,

     Wall, and Marino)

Nays – 1  (Andujar)

XI.             REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

            None

XII.          EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS  

Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2025 through August 25, 2025 (no vote)   (legal expense report had not been provided at the time of posting)

Council President Marino noticed Solicitor Millea leave chambers a moment ago.  She asked if anyone knew his whereabouts or if he would be returning.  She has questions about the legal report.  Director Moretti offered to contact him.  The Council President requested a motion to take the agenda out of order so the legal report could be addressed later.

MOTION made by Councilman Buonanno, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to take the agenda out of order.          Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

XIII.       COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS  (no votes)  

Discussion of community meeting to be held September 10, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Cranston East High School Auditorium for the purpose of soliciting suggestions from Cranston residents as to the location of a new municipal splashpad 

Council President Marino stated discussion took place at committee meetings with the Administration about their desire to have a meeting to discuss the location of the new splashpad.  She asked Director Moretti if the proposed date and time would work for the Administration and staff.  Director Moretti confirmed and thanked the Council President for scheduling.

XIV.        COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS  (no votes) 

            None

XV.           COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER   

None

XVI.        INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to take the new business items as a block.         Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

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:

XVII.     INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – NO ACTION NEEDED  (no votes taken)

None

At this time, Solicitor Millea was present in chambers and the body returned to the Legal Expense Analysis.

Council President Marino asked Solicitor Millea why a legal expense report was not provided.  Solicitor Millea explained his administrative assistant has been on medical leave for a few weeks.  She returned Thursday last week but did not have time to prepare the report.  It will be available for next month’s meeting. 

Council President Marino asked if any new firms have been hired for the current fiscal year.  Solicitor Millea is unaware of any new firms.

Council President Marino asked if there are any new letters of engagement.  Solicitor Millea replied there is nothing currently.

Council President Marino asked when the report will be available.  Solicitor Millea will speak with his administrative assistant tomorrow.  The Council President feels it would be prudent to email the report to Council.  Solicitor Millea confirmed he will do that.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken) 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar to adjourn at 7:31 P.M.                    All Ayes

Minutes approved as written September 22, 2025

Attest:  Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk