(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).

CRANSTON CITY COUNCIL
| Jessica M. Marino, President, City-Wide | Bridget R. Graziano, Ward 1 |
| Daniel Wall, Vice-President, Ward 6 | Kristen E. Haroian, Ward 2 |
| Richard D. Campopiano, City-Wide | Andy M. Andujar, Ward 3 |
| Christopher E. Buonanno, City-Wide | Frank J. Ritz, Jr., Ward 4 |
| | Michael A. Traficante, Ward 5 |
REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL
-OCTOBER 27, 2025-
Regular meeting of the City Council was held on Monday, October 27, 2025 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Council President.
Roll call showed the following members present: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
Absent: Councilwoman Vaziri and Council Vice-President Haroian -2.
Also Present: Christopher Millea, City Solicitor; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Michael Marcello, City Council Legal Counsel; David DiMaio, City Council Budget Analyst; Rosalba Zanni, Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committee; Heather Finger, Stenographer.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body.
CITATIONS of Congratulations to the Cranston West Little League, 11-12-year-old Girls’ Softball, All Star State Champions (postponed from 9/22)
Council President Wall and Councilwoman Graziano presented Citations.
CITATIONS of Congratulations to the Cranston East Boys Volleyball Team, D1 State Champions (postponed from 9/22)
Council President Wall, Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Buonanno and Traficante presented Citations.
CITATION of Congratulations to Library Director Ed Garcia, recipient of the Rhode Island Center for the Book’s 2025 Page Turner Award
Council President Wall and Councilman Buonanno presented Citations.
On motion by Councilman Andujar, seconded by Councilman Buonanno, it was voted to take as a block the above minutes and they stand approved as recorded. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilwoman Graziano, it was voted to approve as a block the above minutes and they stand approved as recorded. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
Drake Patten, 684 Natick Ave., appeared via Zoom and congratulated Ed Garcia on a well deserved recognition of his work for the City. She also spoke regarding proposed Ordinance regarding the Housing Court and stated that she was not able to attend the Ordinance Committee meeting, but she watched it and has been looking for data supporting a need for this particular vehicle and she has not found any. She is seeking clarification about the fiscal note as well, which lists expenses, but does not mention income. She is also wondering whether the Housing Commission has been consulted on this, and if they think this is important and are we modeling this on other cities, and if so why? Her big question is why we are not focusing on strengthening our existing Code Enforcement and Inspections Division, which we can all agree has really faced challenges of understaffing, unresolved repeat offenses that are not dealt with, and lack of inspections overall. Strengthening these mechanisms may be more effective than creating a new tool whose necessity is kind of uncertain. She understands it is a pilot program, but she would like to know if there are supportive data and if so, can those be shared with the public moving forward? She also is wondering about the data to support the eraser of Title 8, Chapters 8.49 and 8.50 and asked if this is being replaced with something else. She would like to see focus on housing and she recognizes Councilman Andujar’s interest, given that this is the world he works in, but for the lay public, removing tools that support residents in making good decisions or protects them in some way to be treated fairly is confusing. We are in a housing crisis and we do not know what is coming next. She encouraged everyone to be data driven and to provide a rationale when this comes to the Ordinance Committee. She also spoke regarding proposed Ordinance to remove newspaper notice for special meetings and stated that that is very confusing to her. She would love to know the motivation behind this. Many residents use the Internet, but this is not universal and we have a population that is elderly and may not be as comfortable with that tool and others who do not have the privilege of a home computer. She personally believes we need more engagement, not less. Not everyone is fluent in the City’s website and people do get confused. She is extremely opposed to the removal of any public access tool. She thinks that retaining this kind of notice is actually a good governor on this body because special meetings should not be occurring unless there is an urgency to them and we have recently seen the use of special meetings without clear explanation as why they need to be special meetings as opposed to being taken up in the regular business. She encouraged everyone to keep the print notification.
Tracy Nelson appeared to speak via Zoom and stated that she can give a brief explanation on the few Ordinance amendments or if the Council President would rather, she can wait until the time they come before the Ordinance Committee and she can do that at that time as well. Council President Wall stated that he would wait until it comes before the Ordinance Committee.
RESOLUTION In Recognition of Italian American Heritage Month; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno, Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Ritz and Councilman Traficante
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Traficante, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.
Councilman Buonanno stated that Italian American Heritage Month is being recognized during the month of October throughout the Country and especially here in Rhode Island and even more in Cranston where approximately 35% of the population has some ties to Italian Heritage, the most of any ethnic group in our City according to the 2020 Census.
Councilwoman Graziano, Councilman Traficante, Councilman Andujar and Council President Wall asked to be added as co-sponsors.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
RESOLUTION In Recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno, Councilman Campopiano and Council President Wall
On motion by Councilman Campopiano, seconded by Councilwoman Graziano, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.
Under Discussion:
Councilman Campopiano stated that breast cancer awareness should not be one month, it should be every month. He asked that everyone be proactive and aggressive and get checked every year. Breast cancer affects so many families, including our own Council family. Early detection saves lives. Unlike other awareness month, this one truly saves lives.
Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Ritz, Traficante and Andujar asked to be added as co-sponsors.
Councilman Buonanno agreed to encourage everyone to get screened and early detection is still the biggest way to defend.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
No action needed.
No action needed.
RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor and recommended for approval by the Finance Committee October 6, 2025
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilwoman Graziano, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
RESOLUTION Authorizing Tangible Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor and recommended for approval by the Finance Committee October 6, 2025
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilwoman Graziano, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
9-25-07 ORDINANCE Amending the City of Cranston 2025-2026 Municipal Budget (Amending Assistant Fire Chief Salary); Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; recommended for approval by the Finance Committee October 6, 2025
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilwoman Graziano, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
CONSIDERATION of Letter of Engagement between the Cranston City Council and Michael Marcello Esq. / Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, for services as Council Attorney and Litigation Counsel for the City Council, for the term ending January 4, 2027
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Campopiano, it was voted to approve the Letter of Engagement between the Cranston City Council and Michael Marcello Esq. / Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, for services as Council Attorney and Litigation Counsel for the City Council, for the term ending January 4, 2027. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
None.
8-25-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 2, Chapter 40, of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Municipal Court’. Sponsored by Councilman Andujar, Councilwoman Graziano, and Councilman Buonanno
On motion by Councilman Andujar, seconded by Councilman Buonanno, it was voted to refer this Ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
8-25-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 8, Chapter 8.36, Section 050 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled “Duty of owner upon receipt of notice”; Sponsored by Council President Wall and Councilman Buonanno; recommended for approval as amended by the Ordinance Committee October 16, 2025
On motion by Councilwoman Graziano, seconded by Councilman Traficante, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
9-25-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 600 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Two Hour Parking Between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays’; Sponsored by Councilwoman Graziano and Councilman Campopiano; recommended for approval by the Ordinance Committee October 16, 2025
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Campopiano, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
9-25-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 12, Section 130 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Right Turns at Certain Red Lights’; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno & Councilman Andujar; recommended for approval by the Ordinance Committee October 16, 2025
Council President asked Solicitor to speak regarding this Ordinance.
Solicitor Millea stated that this Ordinance needs to be sent back to Committee.
Councilman Buonanno stated that in concert with the recommendation from the Traffic Engineer, what he will suggest, when it gets to the Ordinance Committee, is that we remove the hours from the Ordinance. The Traffic Engineer feels that, and he agrees, that the hours of restriction would make it more confusing and more difficult to enforce.
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Traficante, it was voted to refer this Ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
9-25-03 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 040 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘No Parking on Certain Streets – Generally’; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno & Council President Wall; recommended for approval by the Ordinance Committee October 16, 2025
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Andujar, it was voted to refer this Ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
9-25-04 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 040 of the City Of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘No Parking On Certain Streets - Generally’; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno & Council President Wall; recommended for approval by the Ordinance Committee October 16, 2025
Councilman Buonanno stated that the Traffic Engineer would like some language clarification on this.
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Andujar, it was voted to refer this Ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
9-25-05 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 500 of the City Of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘One Hour Parking - Generally’; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno & Council President Wall; recommended for approval by the Ordinance Committee October 16, 2025
Councilman Buonanno stated that, at the suggestion of the Traffic Engineer, we would like to clean up some language.
On motion by Councilman Buonanno, seconded by Councilman Traficante, it was voted to refer this Ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee. Motion passed on a vote of
7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
Laura Almagno, 289 Knollwood Ave., appeared to speak to ask the Council to please consider funding for an Animal Control Officer after hours. There have been more than one incident that she has been involved with where she has come across an injured animal and when she calls the Police Department, she is told that they are not allowed to transport animals as part of their contract. Cranston’s website boasts as being one of the best cities to live in according to US New and World Report and has a commitment for enhancing the quality of life through exceptional public services, beautiful parks and a vibrant local economy has continued to pay dividends and she agrees. She thinks this is a social, a service that should be part of living in this City.
Drake Patten, 684 Natick Ave., appeared to speak via Zoom and stated that one year ago this month, there was a fire at the Lawn Beauticians on Natick Ave. The entire section of the neighborhood was evacuated in the middle of the night for fear that their houses were going to catch fire. Fortunately, the fire went East onto the highway and fortunately for drivers, 295 was not busy at that time and Police were able to shut down the highway while the fire was contained by our Fire Department, who did a
great job. No one was hurt that night and we were very lucky, yet, here we are one year later, with no responsibility demanded from the business owner, who at this very moment is busy filling the property with new piles, including one that is at least four stories high. At the last Safety Services meeting, the Clerk was instructed to place this matter on the agenda for tonight. It is not on the agenda. She is speaking on behalf of Carol Cooney, who represents her direct neighbors on Eva Lane, which was the neighborhood evacuated as well as her neighbors where she lives on Natick. She promised to speak about this for Carol, in her absence, because she and Carol and their neighbors do not understand how it is possible that this has yet to be resolved. She also wonders personally why the Council and the City are content with having the business owner give everyone a huge middle finger because that is essentially what is happening. State Law is quite clear on what a farm is, which is what the owner claims he has and quite clear of what it is not. Also, State Law is quite clear on what defines a composting facility, which the owner sometimes says he is and sometimes says he is not and how those composting facilities must be permitted at the State and local levels. There is no gray area. Our own local Zoning is quite clear about what is and what is not permitted in the neighborhood. At that recent Committee meeting, Councilwoman Graziano correctly stated that the owners claims of grandfathering and that can easily be check through aerials. Those aerials were provided to the former Council President even before the fire last year because of the risk she even knew the business was running. Recently that same research updated to reflect the fire was shared with the Law Office of the City. There is no reason that we cannot take care of this situation and one year later we are at risk for another fire and if there is another fire, the winds may not give you the benefit this time. She is asking again, on behalf of the community, to please handle this and protect the neighbors.
RE-APPOINTMENT of Raymond Coia to the Juvenile Hearing Board for the term December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2028; as requested by Council Vice-President Haroian
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilman Andujar, it was voted to re-appoint Raymond Coia to the Juvenile Hearing Board for the term December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2028 as requested by Council Vice-President Haroian. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
RE-APPOINTMENT of Ralph Baccari to the Juvenile Hearing Board as Member 6 (formerly Alternate 2); replacing Judith Abate; for the term December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2028; as requested by Council Vice-President Haroian
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilman Buonanno, it was voted to re-appoint Ralph Baccari to the Juvenile Hearing Board as Member 6 (formerly Alternate 2) replacing Judith Abaate for the term December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2028 as requested by Council Vice-President Haroian. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
RE-APPOINTMENT of Kathryn Crowley to the Juvenile Hearing Board as Alternate 1 for the term December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026; as requested by Council Vice-President Haroian
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilman Andujar, it was voted to re-appoint Kathryn Crowley to the Juvenile Hearing Board as Alternate 1 for the term December 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026 as requested by Council Vice-President Haroian. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
None
Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2025 through October 21, 2025
No discussion.
None
None
None
CONSIDERATION of Amendment(s) to City Council Rules for the term January 6, 2025 through January 4, 2027 and APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION “Amending the City Council Rules for the term January 6, 2025 through January 4, 2027; for immediate consideration
On motion by Councilman Andujar, seconded by Councilman Traficante, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.
Under Discussion:
Council President Wall stated that amendment to the Rules is one word on page 2 under Section 3 regarding what Monday the Council will be meeting and he has had that conversation with the Members of the Council. It changes the word ‘fourth’ to the ‘third’ Monday of each month.
Roll call was taken on above motion and motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
10-25-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 8 Chapter 8.49 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Foreclosure Requirements for Owner Occupied Residential Properties’; Sponsored by Councilman Andujar, Council Vice-President Haroian, and Councilman Buonanno; to be referred to Ordinance Committee November 5, 2025
10-25-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 8 Chapter 8.50 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Foreclosure Requirements for Rental Properties’; Sponsored by Councilman Andujar, Council Vice-President Haroian, and Councilman Buonanno; to be referred to Ordinance Committee November 5, 2025
10-25-03 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 2, Chapter 04, Section 060 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Advertising Special Meeting of the City Council’; Sponsored by Council Vice-President Haroian; to be referred to Ordinance committee November 5, 2025
10-25-04 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 2 Chapter 08, Section 190 of the City of Cranston Code of Ordinances, 2005, Entitled ‘Department of Law – Number of Assistant City Solicitors’; Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; to be referred to Ordinance Committee November 5, 2025
RESOLUTION Adopting the City of Cranston Safety Action Plan; Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; to be referred to the Ordinance Committee November 5, 2025
PETITION of Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England Inc. for installation of a new pole located on Reeves Pl. to raise secondary and communication wires; to be referred to Public Works Committee of November 5, 2025
CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of November 3, 2025 as follows:
CLAIMANT TYPE OF CLAIM DATE OF INCIDENT
Tracy Valenti Property damage 09/11/2025
Michael Celio Property damage 07/11/2025
Edward Gonzalez Bodily Injury 08/30/2024
Renelle Bodden Property damage 10/04/2025
David Brouillard Vehicle damage 07/03/2025
Mariel Almonte Personal Injury/Property Dmg 09/30/2025
Nancy Rambo Personal Injury 08/30/2025
Janice J. Jernquist Personal Injury 08/28/2025
Council President Wall indicated that proposed Ordinances 10-25-1 and 1-25-02 are being withdrawn this evening.
On motion by Councilman Andujar, seconded by Councilman Traficante, it was voted to take all the above New Business except for 10-25-01 and 10-25-02 as a block. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
On motion by Councilman Andujar, seconded by Councilwoman Graziano, it was voted to take all the above New Business except for 10-25-01 and 10-25-02 as a block and refer to appropriate Committees. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
COMMUNICATION from Judith Abate declining re-appointment to the Juvenile Hearing Board upon December 1, 2025 expiration of current term
COMMUNICATION from Leah Thovmasian Hill declining re-appointment to the Cranston Arts Commission upon October 24, 2025 expiration of current term
Solicitor Verdecchia suggested a motion be made to accept both communications into the record.
On motion by Councilman Traficante, seconded by Councilman Andujar, it was voted to accept both communications into the record. Motion passed on a vote of 7-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwoman Graziano, Councilmen Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, Campopiano, Buonanno and Council President Wall -7.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
/s/ Rosalba Zanni
Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committees