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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 21, 2015
Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
7:00 P.M. Executive Session, Room 101
7:30 P.M. Open Session
In Attendance:
Mayor Rose
Assistant Mayor Cunha
Councilwoman Capobianco * note leaves sick
Councilman Conley
Councilman Britto
City Manager, Paul Lemont
City Solicitor, Timothy Chapman
City Clerk, Kim Casci
I. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of the City of East Providence will meet in Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a)(1)(2).
A. New Claims
1. Jill Bazar-Khoury
2. Jeffrey Brenner
3. Michael Elias
4. Jeffrey & Cheryl Faria
5. Ildeberto Medina
6. Phillip Norton
7. Barbara Rotella
8. Verizon
B. Sewer Charge Abatements:
1. Mary E. Buonanno
2. Dorothy Hitt
3. Frank Sam
II. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rose calls the meeting to order.
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Mayor Rose calls for a Moment of Silence for the Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The Public Hearing items are moved to this location on the docket.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING- COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT
Advertised East Providence Post – February 12, 19 and 26, 2015
Request for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan by VSH Realty, Inc. & Cumberland Farms, Inc., for property located at: Map 309, Block 6, Parcels 5 and 6, at 9 Wampanoag Trail and 15 Wampanoag Trail from an existing designation of low-density residential to retail with conditions as outlined in the Planning Board memorandum to the City Council dated March 3, 2015.
Petitioner: VSH Realty, Inc. and Cumberland Farms, Inc.
Request for a rezoning by VSH Realty, Inc. & Cumberland Farms, Inc., for property located at: Map 309, Block 6, Parcels 5 and 6, at 9 Wampanoag Trail and 15 Wampanoag Trail from an existing zoning of Residential- 3 to a requested zoning of Commercial-2 with conditions as outlined in the Planning Board Memorandum to the City Council dated March 3, 2015.
Petitioner: VSH Realty, Inc. & Cumberland Farms, Inc.
Patrick O’Leary provided displayed maps and drawings and the proposed site plan and discussed the project and the environmental precautions, storm water methods and a 25 foot landscape buffer.
Councilman Britto asked questions regarding the buffer zone.
Maureen Schlerick spoke regarding the already conducted 3 stage traffic impact study.
Pam Cheryl spoke regarding the comprehensive plan amendment and the various mixed uses surrounding the site. Adding, that zoning would be changed for the two subject residential lots and that the zone change balances land use and increases the tax base as well as squares off the zoning.
Dylan Conley spoke and asked if there were any other question or concerns.
Mayor Rose let the public know it was a public hearing and to come forward if they wished to speak on the subject adding that it should be noted that Assistant Mayor Cunha and Councilman Conley were recusing from this item.
1. Edward Pari, Esq. who is representing Coastway Community Bank, the abutter to the south of the proposed site, and he stated that they worked with Cumberland Farms and Cumberland Farms have been very cooperative and after much discussion and amendments they are speaking in support of the new development.
2. Debbie Harris on behalf of her mother who lives at 31 Wampanoag Trail spoke against the development. She noted her mother was the only residential abutter. She stated there are so many things they are against. She understands there are a lot of good things which come with the project that will help the City including making the store better looking however, in the past Cumberland Farms has not maintained the property and they may not do so going forward. There will be increased lighting, pests and noise and it is 25 feet from her mother’s bedroom. She added that Cumberland Farms has not made a reasonable attempt to make this better for her mother. They are asking for variances. The building is larger than they say it is going to be and it is not proportionate to the size of the lot. The loading zone, grease trap and cut through are all right next to her mother’s bedroom. All the negative aspects are near the only residential neighbor.
Mayor Rose stated that according to the map the house is 70 feet away not 25.
Ms. Harris stated the properties there now have to deal with a lot of traffic issues and these issues will be worse with the larger building and the relocation of the exit and entrance area onto it to Wampanoag Trail from its current location on Pawtucket Avenue.
Jamie Cordino of 9 Auburn Road also spoke against the development and stated that regarding his mother’s property, his sister covered most of the concerns but added the loading and unloading location as it is being proposed will be right under his mother’s window and in her yard and asked the Council to have a little heart. This is an old woman out there tending to her garden. He would like to see them adjust the time for loading an unloading. The area is going from the bank taking two nice kept houses to commercial. They have been there for 35 years and his mother never thought this would happen when she bought the house which at the time there nothing was there.
Councilwoman Capobiano called Patrick O’Leary back up to the podium to explain the buffer, plantings, fence and the distance.
Mayor Rose closes the public hearing.
A motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Assistant Mayor Cunha and Councilman Conley recusing.
A. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE 2010-2015 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
SECTION I. Map 3 of the City of East Providence 2010-2015 Comprehensive Plan Update entitled "Central East Providence Generalized Land Use" is hereby amended to identify the parcels designated as Assessor's Map 309, Block 6, Parcels 5 and 6 as retail use subject to the following conditions:
1. That the use of the property be restricted to a convenience store and gas pumps, and further, that in the event the properties are not developed into, or used as a convenience store and gas pumps, the properties would revert to their original status as “Low density residential” designated on the generalized land use map of the City’s Comprehensive Plan;
2. That all of the landscaping, storm water management, lighting, buffer requirements and parking area design standards of a Development Plan Review are met, which are defined in Article 8 of zoning or a reasonable attempt as shall be determined by the Development Plan Review Committee is made by the applicant to meet the minimum standards.
The Central East Providence Generalized Land Use Map (Map 3) of the City of East Providence 2010-2015 Comprehensive Plan Update shall be amended accordingly.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Planning Department
A motion to approve the Ordinance for a Comprehensive Plan Update is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Assistant Mayor Cunha and Councilman Conley recusing
B. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ZONING"
SECTION I. Section 19-95 entitled "Districts Designated" of Article III entitled "District Regulations" is hereby amended as follows:
Parcels 5 and 6 on Assessor’s Map 309, Block 6 presently designated as a Residential 3 District are hereby changed to a Commercial 2 District subject to the following conditions:
1. That the use of the properties be restricted to a convenience store and gas pumps and further, that in the event the properties are not developed into or used as a convenience store and gas pumps, the properties would revert to their original status as a Residential-3 designation on the City’s Official Zoning Map;
2. That all of the landscaping, storm water management, lighting, buffer requirements and parking area design standards of a Development Plan Review are met, which are defined in Article 8 of zoning or a reasonable attempt as shall be determined by the Development Plan Review Committee is made by the applicant to meet the minimum standards.
The Zoning Map of the City of East Providence shall be amended accordingly.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Planning Department
A motion to approve the Ordinance for an Amendment to Zoning is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Assistant Mayor Cunha and Councilman Conley recusing
Item under Council Members, Councilwoman Capobianco regarding Bayside Field moved to this location on the docket.
11. Bayside Soccer/Lacrosse Field Complex (by Councilwoman Capobianco)
A motion to approve is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Conley and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
V. TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Letters
1. Resolution Bristol Town Council in opposition to H5847 relating to Waters and Navigation – Harbor and Harbor Lines.
2. Resolution Charlestown Town Council in support of H5594 and S741 Municipal Streetlight Investment.
3. Resolution Charlestown Town Council in opposition to the Surtax on Second Homes.
B. Council Journals
1. Regular Council Meeting April 7, 2015
2. Executive Session Minutes October 7, 2014
3. Executive Session Minutes November 18, 2014
4. Executive Session Minutes December 10, 2014
5. Executive Session Minutes March 26, 2015
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
The item under Council Members, Assistant Mayor Cunha regarding Summit Street Traffic is moved to this location on the docket.
5. Summit Street Traffic Relief (by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Assistant Mayor Cunha discussed the traffic problem on Summit Street and asked the Director of Public Works, The Chief of Police and the Fire Chief to look into the traffic situation of speeding and congestion and what could be done to fix the problem but allow emergency vehicles the access they need. Adding it is difficult for those who live on the street just to pull out of their driveways safely. It’s a danger to children and pets.
Discussion ensued on the various options which could be utilized. Among those to be done right away was to lean on RIDOT to fill the repeated sign requests for interstate signs. There was discussion on what remedies may negatively affect the surrounding neighborhood streets.
Assistant Mayor Cunha asked the Solicitor to review what liability issues might need to be addressed in making some of these changes permanent, for example a One Way.
The neighbors thanked the Assistant Mayor, the Mayor, the City Manager and the Chief of Police for their attention to the matter.
Chief Parella stated they will increase enforcement. When a change is decided they can use the new alert phone system to alert residents and put the counters out to see how the changes increase or decrease traffic.
Assistant Mayor Cunha asked when they can have a test run.
Director Coutu responded probably in the next week and he can have a report back to Council in 2 weeks regarding a Do Not Enter from Waterman to Summit and Cross Street and a No Left Turn. There will be 2 barricades one at Summit and Waterman and one at Cross and N. Brow, a Do Not Enter from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm and they will further pursue the 195 signs.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
A. Frances Lopes – Summit Street - spoke later under this topic
B. Roger Marshall – Summit Street – spoke later under this topic
C. Matthew Braga – Summit Street – spoke later under this topic
D. Mary Sevigny – Hospital Road
A motion to accept the petitions presented in favor of repaving Hospital Road is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
Director of Public Works, Steve Coutu is called to the podium to discuss this item.
Director of Public Works Steve Coutu was called to the podium to discuss the situation of the roadway on Hospital Road. Acknowledging it is in bad condition the City is out there quite often putting mix down but since there is not much of a road left it doesn’t work well. He recently sent a memo to the City Manager and put this street on the list for consideration of paving.
Ms. Sivigney stated that it has been on the list for years and would like to know if it will get done this year. The City Manager stated it would.
Mayor Rose stated this Council has been the first in many years to have a large amount of roads paved in the City and we continue to move on the list and Hospital Road is on the list for this year.
E. Sue Pearlmutter – Summit Street – spoke later under this topic
F. Rita Falaguerra – Affordable Vet Clinic
G. Marianne Harrison – Gordon School Carnival – spoke later under this topic
H. Rupa Datta – Gordon School Carnival – spoke later under this topic
I. Debbie Harris – Cumberland Farms
J. Jaime Claudine – Cumberland Farms
VII. APPOINTMENTS
A. Affirmative Action Commission (by Mayor Rose)
Rolanda Edmunds, 75 Moorland Avenue (02914)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
B. Affirmative Action Commission (by Mayor Rose)
Ivy Mo,
This was a typo on the docket and the item was not taken up.
C. Affirmative Action Commission (by Mayor Rose)
William Fontes, 95 Hazard Avenue (02914)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
VIII. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. Carnival – May 16, 2015
The Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Avenue (02914), Marianne Harrison, 73 Taft Avenue (02906)
A motion to approve the License is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
Bothers Gas, Inc. DBA Brothers Mini Mart, 317 North Broadway (02916), Lebanon Succar, 11 Highview Avenue, West Roxbury, MA 02132
A motion to approve the License is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. City Managers Report (by Acting City Manager, Paul Lemont)
1. Water Main Cleaning and Lining Bid Award
The City Manager reported this has been reviewed by City staff and the list which Council has is the approved list.
Councilman Britto asked if the funding for this was part of the $19 million bond and the City Manager stated it was.
A motion to approve the Bid Award is made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
2. Status of Selection of Properties to be Designated as Local Historic Districts
Director of Planning Jeanne Boyle introduced Dean Martineau Chairman of the Historic District Commission. Mr. Martineau provided background regarding the City's historic district commission and the work they do as well as update on the status of the selection of properties and offered to answer any questions the City Council had. The task going forward is to ID other historic properties in the City and the Commission has received a grant from the RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission to hire someone to assist. They will return to the Council to report what has been done.
3. Request for Proposals for Study of Waterline from Budlong Road to Allens Avenue
The City Manager stated 60 years ago the City tied into the water system line from Budlong Road, weaving through Cranston to Allens Avenue in Providence then to the lines which cross under the Bay. The concern is the line, which is over 60 years old and which the condition is unknown is the only source of water to the people of the city of East Providence. The engineers, in discussion with the Director of Public Works are concerned with what would happen if the line broke. The City would be out of water for a period of time until it could tie into the Bristol line and the City doesn’t have a second source. He added that he is asking for permission to allow him to get an RFP to study the line from Budlong to Allens and a cost to tie in at Allens Avenue which loops the City just in case something were to happen, the City can tie in and test the valves.
Mayor Rose indicated the big issue of concern in the past was that the City didn’t want to tie into Pawtucket water. If the plan is to stay with Providence Water, who is ranked #2 in the country for cleanliness of water, then he is fine with this.
The City Manager stated there is no obligation but he would like to see what the RFP brings back.
Councilman Britto asks if this is part of the $19 million bond and the City Manager states it is not. Depending on the cost and if the City wanted to tie in they would have to fund it through an enterprise fund and it would be additional monies.
A motion to approve the Request for Proposals for Study is made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
4. 2015 Earth Day Projects
The City Manager called Director of Recreation Diane Sullivan and Director of Programs Rebecca Chase to the podium and to discuss the 2015 Earth Day Projects. Director Sullivan commended Becky for obtaining the Earth Day grants and for the programming offered to residents. They restated information regarding the Clean-up on Saturday, May 2nd from 10:00AM-12:00PM and invited all to attend.
5. 2015 Proposed Paving Program
The City Manager acknowledged and read the paving list and stated that this has all been coordinated with National Grid for gas main improvements.
B. Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report (by City Solicitor Timothy Chapman)
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2), a motion is made by Councilman Cunha and seconded by Councilman Britto to convene in closed session for the purposes of discussing claims & litigation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rose – Aye, Councilman Britto – Aye, Councilwoman Capobianco – Absent, Councilman Conley – Aye, Councilman Cunha - Aye, the motion is approved 4-0.
EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE
CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015; ROOM 101; 7:00 P.M.
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NEW CLAIMS
JILL BAZAR-KHOURY $220.40
RM No. 15-020, Claim No. 15-019
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Summit Street. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $220.40.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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JEFFREY BRENNER $321.90
RM No. 15-036, Claim No. 15-027
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Boyd Avenue. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $321.90.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ |
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MICHAEL ELIAS Unspecified
RM No. 15-047, Claim No. 15-037
Claim for personal injuries sustained as a result of a slip and fall on snow and ice under the bridge on Broadway. Recommend referral to insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilman Cunha Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ |
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JEFFREY & CHERYL FARIA $279.49
RM No. 15-025, Claim No. 15-021
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Custer Street. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Conley
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $279.49.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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ILDEBERTO MEDINA $1,858.71
RM No. 15-027, Claim No. 15-023
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Pleasant Street on March 1, 2015 and another pothole on Oakley Street on March 10, 2015. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Offer to settle the claim in the amount of $1100.00.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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PHILLIP NORTON $202.58
RM No. 15-035, Claim No. 15-026
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Wilson Avenue. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $202.58.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ |
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BARBARA ROTELLA $227.50
RM No. 15-034, Claim No. 15-025
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Brown Street. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Conley
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $227.50.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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VERIZON Unspecified
RM No. 15-028, Claim No. 15-024
Claim for property damage to a Verizon facility sustained while repairing a water leak in front of 1074 South Broadway. See incident report from the Water Utilities Division.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Conley
Motion: Deny the claim.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ |
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SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS
MARY E. BUONANNO $134.84
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 68 Plum Road in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $134.84.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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DOROTHY HITT $456.45
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 26 Ruth Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g)
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $456.45.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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FRANK SAM $821.40
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 28 Eastern Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Cunha Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $821.40.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
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A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
C. Council Members
1. Classification Plan Study (by Mayor Rose)
Mayor Rose deferred this item to the next Council meeting.
2. Removal of Fuller Library from Properties for Sale List (by Mayor Rose)
A motion to remove Fuller Library from the Sale List is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
3. Solar Energy Award (by Mayor Rose)
4. City Manager Search Process (by Mayor Rose)
Mayor Rose stated he put this item on the docket to see how things are progressing in the search process. He stated Acting City Manager Paul Lemont has been doing a wonderful job and he encourages Paul to apply for the position adding Paul has put his heart into the City and this hasn't happened as much in the past and they are looking for longevity and stability. He called Human Resource Director Kat Waterbury to the podium regarding where they go from here.
Director Waterbury stated the City Council would need to determine a salary range.
Assistant Mayor Cunha stated he felt the Council should decide on these matters and not elect a committee as had been done in the past.
Director Waterbury stated the minimum qualifications would need to be stated as well as the salary range in order to begin the process.
Solicitor Chapman noted these items would be put on regular docket for discussion.
Councilman Britto asked about the application process.
Director Waterbury said that she would sort through the resumes and only forward those applications to Council, via email, which meet the minimum qualifications.
Mayor Rose asked Director Waterbury to calculate what is comparable to other cities our size.
6. Housing Stock Issues (by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Assistant Mayor Cunha discussed the myriad of houses in the City which have either had a fire or are foreclosed and now are boarded up. He asked what the City could do to clean these up and get them back on the market.
The City Manager explained the current notification process.
Assistant Mayor Cunha asked if the City can heavily fine the banks.
Mayor Rose asked to have the ordinances looked at to increase the fines.
Assistant Mayor Cunha also discussed the vacant lots in the City where homes where torn down and if the City could look at other cities where they have bought up property and put it back on the market.
7. Ground City Program (by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Assistant Mayor Cunha discussed the Ground City program which the City started last year. It is designed to basically take care of grounds, weeds and flowers and he wanted to know if the City is going to be able to do this program again this year and this time to have more involvement than last year.
8. Street Sweeping (by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Assistant Mayor Cunha called Director Coutu to the podium to discuss the street sweeping schedule.
Director Coutu provided a list of where they would be starting and finishing along with dates. There is one street sweeping truck and one in the shop which is being worked on and then they will work in tandem.
Assistant Mayor Cunha asked how much a new street sweeper would cost.
The City Manager replied close to $200,000.
Director Coutu stated there is a request to replace the older one with a new one and it is listed in the capital improvement plan. Two sweeper trucks are a good amount to have working in tandem.
9. RFP for New City Financial Advisor(by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Assistant Mayor Cunha requested where in the process the City was with regards to an RFP for a new City Financial Advisor as there were conflicts noted in the past.
The City Manager asked for more details so that he could research and provide a response.
11. Strong Cities, Strong Communities Initiative (by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Assistant Mayor Cunha called Director Boyle to the podium.
Director Boyle stated that it provides technical assistance but not actually financial assistance but it is worth looking into what Hartford and Fall River have done.
Assistant Mayor Cunha reminded the Director that the deadline for submission is May 1st.
12. Ward One Health Initiative-212 Health and Performance, Kerry Taylor/Heather Castellanos (by Councilman Britto)
Councilman Britto called Kerry to the podium to discuss the main goals of the program.
Kerry provided information on the program. It is designed to impact lives for the positive and is a mixture of team work, activities and motivation. They deal with a lot of different people and ages. The main goal is physical and mental assistance to a healthier lifestyle.
Councilman Britto announced the dates run July 7th thru August 14th Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Agawam Park.
D. Report of School Committee Liaison
The Liaison was not able to make the report.
E. Resolutions
1. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF REQUEST FOR HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITYAT THE EAST PROVIDENCE POST OFFICE LOCATED AT 17 GROVE AVENUE
A motion to dispense with the reading of the Resolution is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Conley and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of East Providence is desirous of assisting resident David Silvia in his request to encourage the United States Postal Service to make the East Providence Post Office located at 17 Grove Avenue in East Providence handicap accessible to himself and other disabled residents; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Silvia resides in the 02914 zip code area of the City of East Providence and utilizes the United States Post Office located at 17 Grove Avenue, East Providence, RI; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Silvia is a disabled individual who utilizes a power wheelchair to assist in his mobility; and
WHEREAS, said 17 Grove Avenue post office does not have an approved handicap ramp installed at the location; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Silvia is being denied use of the post office because the postal service refuses to install a handicap accessible ramp; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Silvia has been told by the manager of Consumer and Industry Contact of the United States Postal Service that customer requests for building modifications to improve accessibility are considered on a case-by-case basis and based upon customer need, economic feasibility and alternative services that are available; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the East Providence is of the opinion that there is a need by Mr. Silvia and other disabled individuals who reside in the 02914 zip code area of the City of East Providence for the installation of a handicap accessible ramp at the 17 Grove Avenue location; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Silvia has sought the assistance of the Congressional delegation in Rhode Island to promote his requests.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of East Providence supports the request of David Silvia and other handicap individuals that the East Providence Post Office facility located at 17 Grove Avenue be made accessible to handicap individuals, scooters, and power wheelchairs and requests that the City Clerk forward a copy of this Resolution to all of the Senators and Representatives from the City of East Providence, the United States Post Master General and the United States Senators and Representatives.
This resolution shall become effective upon its passage.
Requested By: Assistant Mayor Cunha
A motion to approve the Resolution is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
2. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE I-195 INTERCHANGE PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence seeks to improve access to Interstate Route 195 at the existing Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue Interchange; and,
WHEREAS, the City seeks to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations within the vicinity of the interchange and reduce accident levels within the immediate vicinity of the interchange; and,
WHEREAS, the City seeks to adequately prepare for projected growth and related transportation needs in the project area, including significant projected growth within the East Providence Waterfront Special Development District (Waterfront District); and,
WHEREAS, the City’s overall future development potential is highly dependent on the I-195/Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue Interchange functioning efficiently from both easterly and westerly directions in order to accommodate this projected growth; and,
WHEREAS, the City desires to generate a more focused attention on the necessity of the proposed interchange improvements on the economic vitality of the City of East Providence.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of East Providence hereby designates the I-195/Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue Interchange as its highest priority transportation improvement project and requests that the Rhode Island Department of Transportation approve the authorization of this project to proceed from the currently completed 10% design phase to the next phase of design known as the “30% through Post Design” portion of the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of East Providence requests that the City’s legislative delegation work with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to ensure that this critical project move forward in an expeditious fashion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk send a copy of this Resolution to the Senators and Representatives of the City of East Providence legislative delegation, the House of Representatives, the Rhode Island Senate, the President of the Rhode Island Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor of the State of Rhode Island
This resolution shall become effective upon its passage.
Requested by: Mayor Rose
Director Jeanne Boyle and Jim Moran provided a history of the project and showed a power point presentation along with Joe Giordono. The presentation provided information on where the project began over a dozen years ago regarding what was needed to develop the waterfront and improving access was at the top of that list.
Mayor Rose asked if there was $9 million left to move forward with the design and Jim Moran stated that was correct.
A motion to approve the Resolution is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
F. Communications
1. Elizabeth Salahuddin, 552 Middle Highway, Barrington requesting to address the Council regarding the Brown Play School 6th Annual Run to Mama 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run, Sunday, May 17, 2015.
The City Clerk informs the Council the applicant had to leave but did note that she had already met with the Traffic Sergeant and there were no issues.
A motion to approve is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
2. Mary Sevigny, 65 Hospital Road (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding paving Hospital Road.
This item was covered under Public Comment at the request of the Ms. Sevigny.
3. Rita Falaguerra, 9 Glenn Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding a new low cost veterinary clinic.
This item was covered under Public Comment at the request of the Ms. Falaguerra.
X. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to Adjourn at 10:40PM is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
Approved By Council: May 5, 2015
Attest: ________________
City Clerk