I.            CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 6:09 P.M. by Council President Daniel R. Wall.

II.            ROLL CALL     

The roll was called by the Clerk.  Stated as present:  Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Buonanno, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Andujar, Councilman Ritz, and Council President Wall.  Absent:  Councilwoman Graziano and Councilman Traficante.  Also present: 

Director of Administration Anthony Moretti, Recreation Director Stephen Piscopiello, and City Clerk Tracy Nelson.

III.            NEW BUSINESS

Discussion/Community Meeting for the purpose of soliciting suggestions from Cranston residents as to the location of a new municipal splashpad   (no votes) 

Council President Wall announced tonight’s discussion is relative to the splash pad only.  This community meeting is being held at the request of the Administration.  He turned the floor over to Director Moretti.

Director Moretti clarified.  The Mayor requested the meeting to solicit suggestions for the location of the new splash pad before a final decision is made.  $250,000 in ARPA funds has been designated for construction of the splash pad.  That is on top of funds already spent for the features and technology components.  Bids may not be for that exact amount.  Bids are not expected to be higher, or much higher.  Excess ARPA funds may be available from other parks and recreation projects that came in under budget.  The Administration is looking for objective input.  The Administration met with Parks & Recreation Director Stephen Piscopiello and Public Works Director Corrao to evaluate potential locations.  Director Piscopiello will share the ideas.

Director Piscopiello described the slide on the screen.  It is a rendering of a splash pad of same design and size already in place.  It is for all ages, from 3-4 years old to 12-13 years old.  There are three locations that could potentially work.  The first, Doric Ave., was earmarked quickly.  The second is Cranston Stadium.  There is a vast amount of land, especially near the tennis courts.  The third is Budlong Complex.  That has a lot of positives.  There would be a bit of everything to make a family-friendly complex for those with varying ages of children.  Some of the needs at any site are plumbing, sufficient parking, restrooms, and preferably changing rooms.  The other consideration of a free-standing building, not part of the complex, would be the need for its own staff.  That would affect the budget.  These are the three sites that made sense when they brainstormed locations.  There may be other others, but these factors need to be kept in mind, especially plumbing.

Council President Wall feels Budlong Pool is the perfect fit based on the information given.  It was mentioned as a site early on.  He realizes the City Council does not get a formal vote but appreciates the opportunity to provide input.  He will give each Councilperson an opportunity to provide comment before opening the floor to public comments.

Councilwoman Haroian, for the benefit of her constituents, must advocate for the splash pad to be in Ward 2.  There has been a long time of bad press regarding Budlong Pool.  The complex would be something positive.

Councilman Ritz agrees.  Of the three sites provided, Budlong is the best.  He asked if Doric or the stadium would have changing rooms.  Director Piscopiello indicated changing rooms would need to be built, increasing the cost.  Councilman Ritz feels that is more reason Budlong is the best site.

Councilman Andujar wonders if the one gigantic splash pad could be split into two smaller ones.  If not, there is an unused concession stand at Cranston Stadium.  On behalf of his constituents, he is advocating for the stadium.

Councilman Campopiano loves the idea of a complex.  The Chafee Complex is the star of the city.  It draws many people of all ages.  He could picture the same at Budlong.  The splash pad accompanying the pool would be ideal for families.  It would not make sense to add a splash pad at this location later; however, additional splash pads could be added in other locations later.  He would like to see one in each ward.

Councilman Buonanno agrees with his colleagues.  It is refreshing that there appears to be consensus among the Council and the Administration.  Splash pads are the recreation of the future, especially in larger cities with population density.  Budlong would be the most cost effective.  Additional lifeguards would not be needed.  Amenities are already there.