City of East Providence
Date of Meeting: Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Time of Meeting: 9:00 a.m.
Location of Meeting:
Weaver Library
Champlin Program Room
41 Grove Avenue
East Providence, RI 02914
City of East Providence
Journal of Legislative Breakfast
March 11, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Agenda:
Meet and Greet with Legislative Delegation, City Manager, City Council, Superintendent, School Committee, and City Department Heads.
Discussion of Current and Proposed Legislation as Related to East Providence with Legislative Delegation, Council and School Committee Members.
City Manager Lemont provided an introduction.
Senator DaPonte discussed economic development and funds for on line permitting software to pilot cities and towns. He also discussed the education funding formula and waterfront development in conjunction with the State.
City Manager Lemont discussed the auto inventory tax for auto dealerships and the legislation which changed the City’s ability to do so.
Senator DaPonte stated his concern in changing this would be that it had been a large tax for businesses which were being charged for inventory sitting on a shelf.
Representative Melo discussed the budget being heard in the House the next day. He also spoke about Representative Amore who will be discussing core curriculum legislation.
Director Moore spoke about life safety and revolving loan fund.
City Manager Lemont spoke regarding funding for roads.
Representative Melo discussed the DOT priority list.
Director Moore asked if the delegation saw any reduction in aid to the City or the Schools in the Governor’s Budget.
Representative Melo stated that he did not see that.
Paul Luba discussed the water and sewer complaints.
Senator DaPonte suggested the City may want to check with Clean Water to see if they can extend the bonds from 20 to 30 years.
City Manager Lemont spoke about having one sewer authority and having that be the Narragansett Bay Commission and have them pay United Water stating that he feels one authority would help.
Representative Hearn spoke about a consolidation among surrounding cities and towns.
Mayor Rose stated that everyone has been working well together and things are going well and the only complaints he has been receiving have to do with water and sewer.
City Manager Lemont spoke about the positive affect that John Carnevale has been having on the local parks and recreation courts. He also mentioned how voters passed a ballot question regarding going to bond for a new Recreation Center years ago.
Director Boyle discussed the effects the recession had on abating development and how things have really started to pick up. She added however that the previous 2 governors had not made their appointments to the joint Waterfront Commission and that has been very disappointing as at times this causes issues with achieving a quorum.
City Manager Lemont discussed the onramp on 195 needed to make Waterfront Drive successful and additionally discussed the funds earmarked by DOT for the design and asked for the Delegation’s help to move the plan forward.
Councilwoman Capobianco spoke regarding the road work and patching from work being done by National Grid in the Bay View area and that this patching work is very poorly done.
City Manager Lemont discussed the State Street water issue and the City’s frustration with dealing with DEM.
Representative Melo requested a summary of the situation and he noted the holdup may not be with RI DEM but with MA DEM.
Representative Kazarian stated perhaps a public meeting with the residents in that area might also assist.
Councilman Britto discussed dealing with water and sewer issues down the road by looking at recycling of water.
City Manager Lemont discussed the monthly billing of water and sewer bills that would begin soon giving residents a better ability to plan and break down payments and notice over usage from leaks etc…
Assistant Mayor Cunha noted that most of the complaints he is hearing are about water, sewer and potholes. He noted that he wants to see the work at Central Park continue and also that work move forward at Pierce Field in the spring. He added how much of a difference John Carnevale’s work has made. He also spoke about the waterfront being a perfect location for a small sailing school.
Senator Conley noted that he is very impressed with the department head’s professionalism. He discussed State mandated assessments and the moratorium on school building construction.
Representative Amore discussed the budget being heard today, RIDE and testing.
Superintendent Mercer discussed the moratorium on school construction.
Representative Melo stated they are hoping that this will be lifted this budget. RIDE has not denied applications with regards to emergency, security or safety.
Chief Parella spoke regarding the Police Chief’s Association legislative request and stated there has been a drastic increase in requests to carry concealed weapons. Gun legislation which was proposed a few years ago, since that time it has increased by 100% due to the way the legislation was written a person can “Chief shop” for their approval.
Representatives Amore, DaPonte and Melo noted they have received the Police Chief’s Association proposal.
School Committee Member Jessica Beauchaine stated they are having safety issues with the pool at the high school and would like to have a joint meeting with the City Council.
Representative Amore discussed charter school issues, fair funding formula and noted that East Providence stands to benefit from this as over 100 students in East Providence attend charter schools.
Senator DaPonte discussed the Bradley partnership and a bill requiring each community sending children there to pay for that child.
School Committee member Monteiro discussed the hiring of a new facilities manager and also showcasing Martin Middle School for Eat Healthy RI initiative and bringing back advanced classes at middle schools.
The Legislative Breakfast adjourned at 11:00am.