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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 15, 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
The City Council of the City of East Providence will meet in Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a)(2)(5).
A. New Claims:
1. Julia Collins
2. Thomas Mazzarella
B. Claims for Reconsideration:
1. Robert Gomes
C. Sewer Charge Abatements:
1. Andrew Borges
2. William Bowers
3. Stan & Linda Holtzman
4. Gloria Lynch
5. Joseph & Linda McBride
6. Richard Morin
7. Jack Silliphant
D. Discussion of Evangelical Covenant Church of Riverside Property
E. Discussion Regarding Selection of City Manager
A. Letters
1. Resolution Newport City Council in support of the Quonset Air Museum.
2. Resolution Jamestown Town Council in support of the Quonset Air Museum.
3. Resolution Cranston City Council in support of the Quonset Air Museum.
B. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F
1. East Providence BPOE Elks Lodge 2337, 60 Berkley Street (02914), Emile Fontaine, 770 Veterans Memorial Parkway (02914), Member Cook-Out & Games, September 19, 2015.
2. East Providence BPOE Elks Lodge 2337, 60 Berkley Street (02914), Emile Fontaine, 770 Veterans Memorial Parkway (02914), Cook-Out Fund-Raiser, September 26, 2015.
3. Sacred Heart Church, 118 Taunton Avenue (02914), Father Peter DiTullo, Annual Dinner, October 3, 2015.
4. Stephen Costa, Carousel Commission Chair, Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association, Beer Fest, Rose Larisa Memorial Park, October 3, 2015.
C. Alcoholic Beverage – Class F-1
1. Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 N. Carpenter Street (02914), Maryann Marques, 160 Orchard Street (02914), Jazz & Broadway Show “Music of Cole Porter”, October 3, 2015.
2. Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 N. Carpenter Street (02914), Maryann Marques, 160 Orchard Street (02914), 30 Week Dinner Club, October 24, 2015.
3. Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 N. Carpenter Street (02914), Maryann Marques, 160 Orchard Street (02914), NOite de Fados, November 7, 2015.
D. Council Journals
1. Regular Council Meeting September 1, 2015
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. Tony Ruben, 45 Green Lane Road requesting to address the Council regarding water and sewer bills status of transitioning to monthly vs quarterly.
Mr. Ruben stated he was looking at prior meetings and monthly billing was not mentioned since the month of May. At that time, the City said they were looking at September as the start date.
The City Manager replied that it will not happen until January 1st. They are in the process at this point of running comparable programs and it takes a while to make sure they are getting all the data. The program they are putting in is far superior. However, when dealing with computer programs things can fall behind but they are on top of it and will have an announcement when it is ready in January.
B. Phil Tirrell and Laura McNamara from the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce requesting to address the Council regarding Commercial Property Tax for Businesses and Upcoming East Providence Area Chamber Events.
Mr. Tirrell, 168 Becker Avenue 02915
Thanked the Council for the $5,000 exemption last year and let them know 60 percent of businesses are small businesses and they didn't have to pay any tangible tax because of that exemption. He added the City should promote it better that East Providence has done this and it is very positive for small businesses. People are very positive about the City and he hears more negatives against the State right now. He feels the Council should look at more deductions and savings for businesses in the tangible taxes going and forward a 5 year plan or 10 year plan to address the commercial tax or tangible tax. He would like the City to study this.
Assistant Mayor Cunha states he agrees.
Mayor Rose states last year the Council did say they would look at $10,000 and they hope to look at that this year.
Councilwoman Capobianco agreed as well.
Laura McNamara provided information on who the East Providence Chamber is, their membership and non-profit status. They represent East Providence, Barrington, Seekonk, and Rehoboth and celebrate their 118th Birthday in June. She provided a list of events and website address at epchamber.com and Facebook account at epchamber noting that most membership dues are less than $25 per month.
A. Traffic Control (by Councilman Conley)
Walter Gilmore, 45 Seaview Avenue (02915)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. An Ordinance Repealing a Stop Sign on Estrell Drive at Larry Lane.
A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”
SECTION I. Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269 entitled “Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required” is amended by deleting therefrom the following:
Estrell Drive (northbound and southbound traffic) at Larry Lane
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon second passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Councilman Conley
Councilman Conley stated the reasons why this item was put forward and why he is requesting the repeal now.
Several people were present to testify for and against.
Raymond Sangari, 104 Estrell Drive is in favor of the stop sign. He states that while waiting at school bus stop cars are speeding and it seems like they are going 50 miles per hour.
Steven Sharkie, 116 Estrell Drive is in favor of the stop sign as it has reduced speeding and vibrations to homes from all kinds of vehicles. The neighbors are surprised that this was being removed it’s only been 3 months and we need to give it a fair shot. We need traffic control as some do speed and some run the sign. However, if it is removed they will return to the speed of over 40 mph again.
Patrick Coughlin said as he previously stated at the last Council meeting it is maddening for those of us who live in front of the stop signs. Some are here tonight and others gave me a letter to read. We find they drive faster because of the stop signs. Mr. Coughlin reads a letter from Frank and Jeannie Cunha who also live adjacent to the stop signs and Carl Sanford as well as 18 other signatures which he submits the petition and the letter for the record.
Maryann Smith, 103 Estrell Drive speaks again the sign.
Paul Laffey, Jr., 41 Estrell Drive speaks for the stop sign.
Councilman Britto stated if speeding is an issue the speeding will return once the police presence leaves.
Assistant Mayor Cunha stated his recommendation would be to enforce the speed limit on that road with a police presence and he asked about truck limits.
Councilman Conley added the removal of the turn-around on Route 114 increased the usage of this road as a cut through. It is a residential neighborhood and he tends to agree with Mr. Coughlin that the volume of cars is not conducive to a stop sign. A person can clearly see the property damage to the homes from the heavy traffic and the vibrations and he is sensitive to the quality of life. He states the City needs to investigate other alternatives
Councilwoman Capobianco called the Police Chief to the podium.
Chief Parella agreed speeding is a big problem on Estrell Drive. However there are many roads in the City also being used as a cut through with speeding issues such as Walnut, Summit, Dover and S Broadway and the police can only do so much radar. If residents can let the police know when they see a specific car or motorcycle then they can handle the situation directly. Activity is up in Riverside and they will increase it whenever they can but they do have to manage the expectations.
Director Coutu was asked by Councilwoman Capobianco what can the City do regarding the truck ton limit.
Tom Riley, 3620 Pawtucket Avenue spoke about speed bumps and signage.
One resident states he is in favor of the stop sign as otherwise he cannot get out of his driveway. The cars whip around the curve. He asked the Council how bad would everyone feel if the stop sign was taken down and someone dies? He asked the Council not to pull them until they can find something better.
Councilman Conley stated he supports increased enforcement and further analysis but thinks the stop sign has had unintended consequences and supports its removal.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated she feels for those who live next to the stop sign and would suggest putting this on again for the next meeting but would ask in the meantime for the City to place slow children signs, truck limit signs and for Chief Parella to host more enforcement and to work on the speeding issue.
Councilman Cunha stated he is not in favor of removing the stop sign because as the Chief has indicated speeding is definitely an issue and removing it is only going to increase the speeding.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated the City needs to make sure that they have something in place before the sign comes down or speeding will increase when the road is paved.
Mayor Rose requested Chief Parella look into this and work with the Public Works Director regarding weight limits and signs.
Chief Parella stated that at some point if he feels it’s conducive they will do the speed test, the average speed etc… as they did on Walnut Street so that if the stop sign does go then they can see if the average speed goes up or down.
Councilman Britto asked if the fines can be doubled to send a clear message.
The Chief stated if that was something the Council wanted to look at they could and in the meantime he would start enforcement and put the counters out and get an assessment for 2-3 weeks and then talk about it again. They will come in with heavy enforcement and see how drastically it goes up or down and if the quantity goes down.
Councilman Conley stated if the Chief went heavy with enforcement people have to recognize this can't go on forever.
The Chief stated that is correct and it probably will go back to the way it was but the police will come and go for a while so that people won’t know when they will be there and that may deter. The last traffic survey was done in 2006 and that is old so he would like to get some new data.
Councilman Conley makes a motion to repeal the stop sign. No second is heard. The motion dies.
Councilwoman Capobianco makes a motion to table the stop sign ordinance until the next Council meeting so that the City can work on an effective plan, Councilman Britto seconds the motion and on a roll call vote the motion passes 4-1 with Councilman Conley voting Nay.
B. An amendment of the Flood Plain Ordinance.
A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
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 19-306 entitled “Purpose” of Division 12 entitled “Special Flood Hazard Areas” of Article IV entitled “Supplementary District Regulations” of Chapter 19 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, entitled “Zoning” is amended to read as follows:
The purpose of this division is to ensure public safety; minimize hazards to persons and property from flooding, to protect watercourses from encroachment, and to maintain the capability of floodplains to retain and carry off floodwaters. The City of East Providence elects to comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-488, as amended).
SECTION II. Section 19-307 entitled “Applicability” of Division 12 entitled “Special Flood Hazard Areas” of Article IV entitled “Supplementary District Regulations” of Chapter 19 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, entitled “Zoning” is amended to read as follows:
(a) The City of East Providence elects to comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-488, as amended). The special flood hazard areas are herein established as a floodplain overlay district. The district includes all special flood hazard areas within the City of East Providence designated as Zone A, AE, AH, AO, A99, V, or VE on the Providence County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Digital FIRM issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program. The map panels of the Providence County FIRM that are wholly or partially within the City of East Providence are panel numbers 44007C327G, 44007C329G, 44007C337G, and 44007C339G dated March 2, 2009, and 44007C309J, 44007C317J, 44007C326H, 44007C328H, 44007C336H, 44007C338H, and 44007C451H dated September 18, 2013 44007C337G and 44007C339G dated March 2, 2009; 44007C317J, 44007C336H, 44007C338H, and 44007C451H dated September 18, 2013; and 44007C309K, 44007C326J, 44007C327H, 44007C328J, and 44007C329H dated October 2, 2015. The exact boundaries of the district may be defined by the 100-year base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the Providence County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report dated September 18, 2013 October 2, 2015. The office of emergency management is responsible for floodplain management. The FIRM and FIS report and any revisions thereto are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Emergency Management Agency and the department of public works engineering division.
(b) Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of flood protection required by the ordinance is considered reasonable but does not imply total flood protection. If any section, provision, or portion of this division is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected.
(c) Severability. If any section, provision, or portion of this division is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected.
(c d) Other Development. For the purposes of this section, "other development" shall be defined as any action exclusive of that which requires the issuance of a building permit under the Rhode Island State Building Code. Such other development shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(1) Earth, gravel or mineral removal or extraction.
(2) Alteration of the topography by cutting, filling or grading.
(3) Storage of bulk materials outside of a structure.
(4) Construction or placement of facilities or improvements not normally requiring a building permit.
(d e) This division shall not in any way impair/remove the necessity of compliance with any other applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, etc. Where this division imposes a greater restriction, the provisions of this division shall control.
SECTION III. Section 19-308 entitled “Definitions” of Division 12 entitled “Special Flood Hazard Areas” of Article IV entitled “Supplementary District Regulations” of Chapter 19 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, entitled “Zoning” is amended by deleting therefrom the following definition:
Area of shallow flooding (for a community with AO or AH zones only): A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH, or VO zone on a community's flood insurance rate map (FIRM) with a one percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
SECTION IV. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Mayor Rose
Wayne Barnes from the Planning Department came to the podium and explained that the current ordinance needed to be amended to reflect FEMA revisions to the flood map again. These changes are strictly for the 10 Mile River area.
A motion to approve the Ordinance is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. B-Full Privilege Vict. – Stock Transfer
China Gourmet, Inc. DBA China Gourmet Restaurant, 181 Willett Avenue (02915), Qui Fu Liu, 88 Viola Avenue (02915)
A motion to approve the License is made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. Holiday Sales
Shapewear Central, Inc., 50-80 Newport Avenue (02916), Maria R. Cuervo, 300 East Washington Street, N. Attleboro, MA 02760.
A motion to approve the License is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. City Managers Report (by Acting City Manager, Paul Lemont)
1. Improvements to Jones Pond, Selection of Contractor
The City Manager explained that when the City first went out to bid, the bids came back nearly double. The City went out a second time and they came back nearly doubled again except one bid which came back higher but better. If the City does not take advantage of this bid they could lose the $300,000 currently invested in the project. He recommends to award the bid before the Council in the amount of $318,655 and noted that half of that money comes from RIDEM and half from a Champlin Grant.
Councilman Cunha asked when the projected start date would be.
Director Boyle stated they were hopeful it would be in October. Public Works has actually already started some of the work. There is a draft plan in place with the bidding company and they are planning on sticking with some of the rendering but some at this point cannot go forward. The expensive glow in the dark sidewalk can’t be done right now but if they are able to get a little more money they can try to put the pavement back in the plan. The storm water improvements must be done and ADA requirements as well. The wildlife which lives in the pond and this will improve the situation and the water quality will improve for them as well.
A motion to approve is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
2. Introduction of Proposed 2016 Budget
The City Manager presented his proposed 2016 budget to the Council. He noted this is his 16th budget presentation to the City Council. Tomorrow it will be on line for everyone to see. The City Manager went over the highlights of the past year and the operating surplus in excess of $2 million, the bond rating has gone from Junk Bond Status in 1.5 years to A Status. They have added 29 fire fighters and have 5 in the police academy right now. They have added 11 to the roster over the past few years as the numbers had diminished so much that the overtime was massive. Roads and upgrades to equipment as well as personnel and have fully funded our ARC and OPEB. Few if any cities and towns in the State have done this. The City negotiated a couple of labor contracts with the Fire Fighters and Police with no use of outside legal costs as it was all done in house. The City did a super job with plowing in the winter and expanding the programming in our libraries with a learning center to be located on Dover Avenue. An online content developing was established. The budget has in it a substantial amount of capital improvements. City funds are being requested to put in a generator. The Public Works garage has a new radio system. He concluded by stating that his proposed budget has no tax increase. This would make 2 years in a row without a tax increase. He feels as though this gives the City some relief as they cannot do anything about the water rates but they can stop a tax increase this year.
Director of Finance Moore came to the podium to discuss the timeline for the budget process.
The Council decides that the first budget meeting will take place on September 29th at 6:00PM.
The Council decides that the second budget meeting will take place at the Regular Council Meeting of October 6th.
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 – Aye, Councilman Conley – Aye, Councilman Cunha – Aye, the motion is approved 5-0.
EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE
CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT
SEPTEMBER 15, 2015; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101
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NEW CLAIMS
JULIA COLLINS $200.00
RM No. 15-078, Claim No. 15-064
Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of a sewer backup. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Capobianco
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $200.00.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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THOMAS MAZZARELLA $190.95
RM No. 15-077, Claim No. 15-066
Claim for property damage to a parked vehicle sustained when a rock propelled from a City lawn mower striking the vehicle’s right passenger window.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Capobianco
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $190.95.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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CLAIM FOR RECONSIDERATION
ROBERT GOMES $2,745.99
RM No. 13-101, Claim No. 15-043
Claim for property damage sustained as a result of a pipe break allegedly sustained from work the City was doing in the street. The Claims Committee voted at its meeting held on June 16, 2015 to deny the claim. Claimant is asking for reconsideration. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
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 | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS
ANDREW BORGES $365.97
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 60 Frederick Street in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Capobianco
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $365.97.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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WILLIAM BOWERS $219.36
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 15 Miller Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Capobianco
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $219.36.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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STAN & LINDA HOLTZMAN $349.05
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 18 Fairfield Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilwoman Capobianco Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $349.05.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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GLORIA LYNCH $70.13
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 106 Rice 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 $70.13.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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JOSEPH & LINDA McBRIDE $114.16
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 113 Frederick Street 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 $114.16.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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RICHARD MORIN $114.74
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 134 Peach Orchard Drive in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilwoman Capobianco Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $114.74.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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JACK SILLIPHANT $96.66
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 2 Larry Lane 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 $96.66.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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A motion to accept the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
2. Handicap Parking Signs: 117 South Blossom Street (by Steve Coutu, Director of Public Works)
A motion to approve is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
C. Council Members
1. City Manager Candidate Finalists Public Statements (by Mayor Rose)
a. James Cunha
b. Richard Kirby
Mayor Rose stated the candidates will come out one at a time.
Councilman Conley requested that the Human Resources Director come forward and to explain that they meet the requirements.
Director Waterbury came to the podium and provided this.
Each candidate gave a brief presentation.
Councilman Cunha stated that the Council has conducted interviews for hours to make sure they would make the best decision possible for the City and that this person would look at the City as a business and want to increase the share value of its stock.
2. East Providence Junior Townies Presentation – Riverside Recreation Field Project (by Councilman Conley)
Steve Medeiros design and Duarte Construction assisted with the presentation. It was handed out to the Council for the record.
3. Human Resource Department Inquiry (by Councilman Conley)
Councilman Conley deferred this item to the next Council Meeting.
D. Report of School Committee Liaison
School Committee member Tony Ferreira reported that phase one of the door project was completed and that phase 2 should be done in the next week or so. They are putting in all new curbing and sidewalks at Riverside and handicap ramps at the two main entrances. However, he noted they need to do a better job getting involved with smaller projects and would like to see a $4 million increase from last year’s budget. They are going to start doing walk thrus at each school and they encourage the Council to attend so they can see where the schools need repairs.
Chair Tsonos came to the podium and stated that letters were signed and forwarded last Wednesday to the City Manager to give the Council some specifics as to where the money is going to be going.
Councilman Conley stated that his kids complain the bus keeps getting them late to school.
School Committee member Ferreira stated he had put in a request about a week ago, and each day following that request and that they receive a daily update. The previous two weeks do show how it is getting better. He noted that road construction was also wreaking havoc.
Councilman Conley asked for an update on the Superintendent search.
School Committee member Ferreira stated that they are looking at November 1st. They have a search team together with 14 people on it.
Chairman Tsonos concluded by stating to reinforce the sidewalk project is 51% funded by RIDE and all approved by RIDE.
A motion is made at 9:57 PM to return to Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a)(2)(5) by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A motion to Adjourn is made at 11:39 PM by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Approved By Council: October 6, 2015
Attest: _______________
City Clerk