CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

RHODE ISLAND

JOURNAL OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

July 29, 2013

Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

10:00AM

 

Present:

James Briden – Mayor

Thomas Rose – Assistant Mayor

Chrissy Rossi - Council Ward 4

Peter Graczykowski - City Manager

Julie Motta- Director of Education

Timothy Chapman - City Solicitor

Kim Casci - City Clerk

 

 

 

I.          MEET AND GREET AND OPEN DISCUSSION WITH SENATOR JACK REED AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER

 

 

The City Manager thanked Senator Reed for the Google settlement assistance.

The funds have been administered to the pension plan.

He also discussed the fire station renovations for station 2 and 4 and the hose and apparatus grant/the rescue grant for fire the training facility.

 

The City Manager also went over the Public Works and Planning Department memorandums including outstanding grants and new grants.

 

Mayor Briden spoke about there being a lot of exciting projects going on in East Providence ie:  Tockwotten, Forbes Solar Field Project, the TIF for the Kettle Point Project and other possible developments on the waterfront which is said to be one of the largest ongoing development projects in the state. As a municipality some changes have taken place which may serve as a model for other cities and towns such as consolidation of services in city and school functions which may be a model adopted going forward.

 

Senator Reed spoke about the City and good management and that is how they are able to help.  He added to please let Chris Albert in his office know immediately of any pending funding.  There is no more direct funding but in the realm of grants there is still funding. Consolidation definitely has to save money and the Google money was helpful.  He mentioned that he can recall talking to the Attorney General about what the City was going to spend the money on and that this was the best way to invest in the City instead of just purchasing for example all brand new cars. This is making a down payment on the solution and is going to be of help to the residents.  He added that the City shouldn’t assume his office knows what funds and grants are being applied for. Be sure to keep them informed and come to them.  The Senator added that it is his hope and that of others to be able to embark on a new infrastructure investment similar to what was in place before.   

 

The City Manager stated that the City is at the level where we are at a breaking point via infrastructure water and sewer and electric grid.

 

Senator Reed spoke about how the State suffers from extremely high energy rates. Where other states, for example, Louisiana are drastically lower.  Eaton moving to town is a first class facility and they came to East Providence when they were previously going to leave the State.

 

The City Manager stated the City forwarded some documents to the Senator’s Office from City Department Heads.

 

Senator Reed spoke about monies to be added to weatherization used to go in and approve efficiency and this will go right back to the cities and towns. They are facing a crossroads in DC regarding programs that help cities and towns. Years ago they could direct fund projects but that is not the case now.  The City is fortunate to have a great State Delegation in East Providence, Senator DaPonte and Representative Melo who both hold key chairmanships which is of great benefit to the City. 

 

Councilwoman Rossi asked about title one funding.

 

Senator Reed spoke about this being a casualty of the big budget fight in DC. They have cut those programs 29% which is the level of funding of some programs to levels from 1975.  They are now trying to cut further and would like to see those disappear entirely. He stated that they will fight to restore some of the money but it will be tough.

 

Assistant Mayor Rose and Councilwoman Rossi asked about rail system improvements.

 

Senator Reed spoke about pushing the line from Wickford to Kingstown and also that there are ongoing efforts with Pawtucket. Amtrack has not arranged to stop at the airport in Warwick and they are still trying to work with them. There are plans on the drawing board for a high speed train. It would leave Boston and come through Providence and central Connecticut to New York like trains in Europe or China.  If that took place you could travel from Providence to New York in an hour and 10 minutes.

 

Assistant Mayor Rose spoke about the new solar farm at Forbes. 

 

The Senator discussed the good news regarding fracking, the prices are stabilizing the market but for wind and solar it is not as robust now due to this. The market is not that supportive so we are going to have to support it by improving the distribution systems in the northeast for wind power off the shore and hydro power.

 

This also led to a brief discussion regarding algae power in the future.

 

Assistant Mayor Rose asked where the Senator saw the future of landfills as many sites are filling up. 

 

Senator Reed agreed with this important issue and discussed recycling which was begun in the 1980s and how recycling is even more profitable now.

 

Approved By Council:  September 17, 2013

 

Attest:  ____________________

                        City Clerk