I.                   EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council of the City of East Providence may meet in Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a)(2)(5).

A motion to go into Executive Session at 7:00PM is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

A.    New Claims

1.      Anthony Candiloro

2.      Manuel & Laura Quadros

3.      Heather Robinson

B.     Pending Claims

1.      Margaret M. Hofmann

C.    Claims for Reconsideration

1.      Teresa D. Lebeau

D.    Sewer Charge Abatements 

1.      Julia A. Bairos

2.      Lully & Stephanie Cabral

3.      GJB Realty, Inc.

4.      John Mello

5.      Cheryl Mooney

6.      Helena M. Read

7.      John Rezendes (St. Margaret’s School)

8.      Candace Cain Seel

9.      Patricia Williams

E.     City Property – Discussion Related to Potential Lease

1.      Forbes Street Solar II LLC Lease

2.      Blount Clam Shack at Crescent Park Lease

II.                OPEN SESSION

III.             CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Briden calls the meeting to order at 7:43PM.

IV.             SALUTE TO THE FLAG

V.                TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR

A.    Letters

VI.             PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

A.    Gevriye Kucukkaya of Knapp Shoes Inc. (by Councilwoman Sousa)

Councilwoman Sousa reads the citation for Gevriye Kucukkaya of Knapp Shoes, Inc. in honor of 40 years in business as a shoe maker and shoe repair. 

Councilwoman Sousa states Mr. Kucukkaya is not present today.  He owns the shop on Taunton Avenue and has the old profession of being a shoemaker.  It’s a profession that in some respects has been long lost and he has been there for 40 years.  He was originally from Turkey and has lived here for 60 years.  He is in his mid 80s.  He took the shop over from an Armenian gentleman who was a shoe maker in the early 1900s.  She wanted to commemorate Mr. Gabriel as he is known.  He is still in business though he no longer makes shoes but he travels to Germany and teaches the profession. 

B.     Recognition of Sgt. Michael Grant East Providence Police Department (by Councilwoman Sousa)

This item was deferred to the next Council meeting at the recipients request. 

VII.          COMMUNICATIONS

A.    Thomas C. Riley, 3620 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding water/sewer rates and calculation. 

Tom Riley provides a flip chart presentation regarding flat rates and how residents would benefit using the winter months as the baseline.  He notes in the summer most of the water costs are from sewer costs but most often they are watering and the water doesn't go into the sewer.  A plumber charges $2,500 to put in a deduct meter.  The plan does not penalize the person who is a low user.  Previously he spoke with Mr. Lemont and then again with the last council and then when they had the monthly billing plan.

Mayor Briden noted that the City Council will have a Rate Study meeting very soon. This may be one he will want to attend.

Councilman Faria noted that would be the best place as they would want the whole body present and the consultants as well as Director Moore and Mr. Luba.  

VIII.       PUBLIC COMMENT

A.    Thomas Riley, 3620 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) – Public Comment and Communication

IX.             APPOINTMENTS

A.    Traffic Control (by Councilwoman Sousa)

Albert Escobar, 864 Waterman Avenue (02914)

A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

B.     Traffic Control (by Councilman Faria)

Brenda Lister, 40 Brook Avenue (02915)

A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

X.                LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

XI.             LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

XII.          PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE FINAL PASSAGE

1.   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”

A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

SECTION I.  Section 18-247 entitled “Designation of one-way streets” of Article VIII entitled “One-Way Streets” of Chapter 18 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended by adding thereto the following:

Whelden Avenue (westbound) from Broadway to Short Street

SECTION II.  This ordinance shall take effect upon second passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

Requested by:  Councilwoman Sousa

A motion to approve the Ordinance for Final Passage is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

XIII.       PUBLIC HEARING

A.    CDBG 2017-2018

David Bachrach is present and comes to the podium.

The City Manager notes there was miscommunication between himself and David in reaching out to the Council with the cover letter for the request for recommendations for approval.   

David Bachrach reports that each organization which put in a request has received some funding.  In some cases they received partial funding.  The federal government has not finalized a fiscal budget yet and this was last year’s funding.  It could be more or less.  Everyone has an equal percent increase or decrease should it be level funded and in this way the Council can approve today.  

Assistant Mayor Britto asked what the anticipated date would be when they will be eligible for the funds.

Mr. Bachrach stated it would be at the end of this month and somewhere in May, depending on when the federal budget is passed.

Assistant Mayor Britto asked what the administrative costs were.

Mr. Bachrach explains HUD puts this at a 20% cap to ensure they are meeting compliance with the regulations.  It funds the Community Development office and all the staff salaries on the city side as well as grant funds on both sides and it covers this 100%.

Councilman Botelho asked about the fact that President Trump has been rattling about eliminating the CDBG funds and could these funds be affected.  

Mr. Bachrach states it is still not clear whether it would affect this budget or the following year’s budget.  Right now the President’s budget is under a lot of push back.  CDBG grants enjoy a strong bi-partisan support.  If this were to happen they would use existing funds and expend any contractual obligations they have.

Councilwoman Sosa asked if the allocation varies are they doing a percentage increase across the board or only to those who haven't met their goal. 

Mr. Bachrach stated they were suggesting across the board because they don't know what those numbers will be.  They could go back on any decrease to all of the proposals to make sure they are still viable programs with the cut. 

Assistant Mayor Britto stated he agrees especially on the overage to share with those that didn't meet their requested amount.

Mr. Bachrach asks the Council for a motion to continue on the final budget by HUD and if council wishes, the increase on a percentage would go to those that were not fully funded until they are fully funded and anything else left would evenly spread across all.  If it is a decrease that would be evenly spread across those which are fully funded and then those which are not.   

Councilman Botelho makes this motion to approve the recommendations for approval of the 2017-2018 CDBG and that the funds if increased or decreased reflect Mr. Bachrach’s recommendation for allocation, the motion is seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

XIV.       NEW BUSINESS

A.    City Managers Report  (by Acting City Manager Timothy

Chapman)

1.      Forbes Street Solar II LLC Lease

City Manager Chapman reports out that the lease was approved by Council in Executive Session.  He notes this is a win/win for the city as this company is a very good neighbor and partner.  It has given the city a smaller footprint for the land and they are receiving more money.  They are able to use the funds to cap the landfill.  

Councilman Faria asked how the residents would make out on the lease.

City Manager Chapman states the City has a smaller footprint and they receive more money via an increase in the rent.  The City also managed to get a 5% bump from them during negotiations.  The company is here tonight.  It is $42,000 for rent and $3,250 for the pilot plus a production bonus which may give more money.

Councilman Faria noted there are benefits and it is the largest solar farm in the state.

Councilwoman Sousa asked what their involvement would be with Riverside Junior High receiving some of the energy.

The City Manager stated the way the agreement is configured the City has asked them to look at the middle school for energy needs and they have agreed they will look at the school if there is a Phase 3.

2.      Blount Clam Shack at Crescent Park Lease

City Manager Chapman reported out that the Council approved the lease in executive session.   Blount is another good neighbor.  They have great food and it’s a great location.  They city has secured double the rent.  Blount has made a number of repairs and improvements.  They do a great job of running it.

Councilman Faria added it's great to have them they provide a wonderful partnership with our City.  This will take us to the next 5 years.  Residents and visitors enjoy the great food, the park and the Carousel and it also supports small business.

3.      Earth Day Cleanups Information

City Manager Chapman stated Councilwoman Sousa has been very active in promoting Earth Day which is April 22^nd.   The City is asking the volunteer groups to register with the DPW so they don't have to pay for bags.  The landfill is waving tipping fees from April 1- May 5 if the group or person is involved in an Earth Day clean up. DPW will take the refuse to the dump and provide bags and gloves and small hand tools.  

City Manager Chapman also made an announcement that it is Pink Flamingo time again.  Kathy Holahan, the President of the Parent Teacher Student Association has asked him to make the announcement.  It is a fun way to support the PTSA and is the largest fundraiser they have.  It’s a great way to have fun with friends and family.  For $10 a flock is delivered under dark.  They stay in their location for a few days before they fly off to brighten someone else's day.  Forms are available in the back of the room or people interested can go on line to ephsptsa.com and thank he thanked everyone for their support of the program.

B.     Council Members

1.      School Building Review (by Mayor Briden)

Mayor Briden stated last week the Council received the SLAM presentation and the following day took a tour of the High School with the School Committee and administration.  There were good discussions with council members and Councilman Botelho has done a lot of work on these issues and looked at various components for school buildings in our future.  Currently the city is at a point where it can take a look at how decisions are made.  Does it want officials on a tour 10 or 20 years from now observing a school which needed more maintenance along the way? If the city doesn't examine these decisions then as the saying goes, those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.  It makes sense to look at all the buildings and look at what will be required in the next 5-10 years.  He would like to see copies of the school improvement plans particularly from 2013 to present along with expenditures and the work done and the amount of money spent.  He would like at the next council meeting to have the fiscal advisor and the finance director present to the council the current debt, the outstanding bonds and capacity as well as the cost of synchronization.  What the fund is currently and the projected savings.  All of this necessitates that the Council work with our Planning Department.  Council members are not planners and there is a need to look at our buildings and have plans formulated and to put something in place. It really does change how the City provides maintenance to our schools far into the future.  On April 25th there will be another joint meeting with the School Committee and he would really like to look at the budget and what is in store.

Councilman Botelho stated agreement noting these are systemic issues and he has engaged in conversations with the City Manager regarding getting our Planning Department involved to allocate the resources to address the issues. He feels this is right on track in terms of how to proceed.

Councilman Faria requests the Clerk read his items in a different order which is noted below.

2.      Thank You to the Harbor Master (by Councilman Faria)- addressed fifth

Councilman Faria thanked the Harbor Master for taking him out to inspect the shoreline.  The Harbor Master has been working diligently on the cleanup efforts and has received two grants regarding the sunken boat and old pilings, as well as having the old chevron pier removed.  He appreciated the time and information shared and enjoyed being able to see him at work and care for our City.

3.      New Video Capabilities for Filming Council Meetings (by Councilman Faria) – addressed first

Councilman Faria apologized to all the viewers for the recent video snafus in the coverage and streaming of meetings.  He noted that last week they had a meeting with Fred the cameraman, Clerkbase and City IT officials.  They are currently filming with 3 angles as a multi shot in an effort to make filming better.  The streaming has dropped in the past and going forward someone from IT will be here every meeting to make sure things run smoother.  They are implementing a mixer and more pro audio to ensue residents hear the meetings more clearly.  He appreciates the efforts from all. 

4.      Reval Update (by Councilman Faria)- addressed second

Councilman Faria provided an update on the Reval.  It has always been his position that the plaintiffs do not outspend and get tied up in costly litigation and instead try to reach a middle ground.  They had the first meeting and it went well.  The City Tax Assessor, Assistant Solicitor and the plaintiff’s attorney Mr. Landry were all present.  They all agreed to continue in the next week or two and will have a second meeting with the reval experts to reach a fair compromise.

5.      The Retaining Wall at Crescent Park (by Councilman Faria)- addressed fourth

Councilman Faria stated he had a meeting with the City Manager regarding work on the erosion on the main stairs and wall.  The City Manager stated the engineer will examine the beach erosion.  The Westerly Planning Department actually took off shore sand and brought it in.  The City will have an engineer look at this occurring at Crescent Beach.  Additionally, he asked the City Manager to dispatch a crew to address the graffiti.  It will be removed from the retaining wall and stairs.  He is requesting from the Chief of Police that if in the evening an officer can check on the area regularly for those attempting to cause the destruction, as this behavior won’t be tolerated. 

6.      Increasing Signage in the Riverside Area (by Councilman Faria)- addressed third

Councilman Faria thanked DPW for the new signage on Forbes Street and noted the school signs have gone up.  He has also had a meeting with the City Manager requesting the City add signage for deer crossing.  This is very important as there have been a number of incidents.  He also remind motorists about the speed limitations in the Riverside Square as he has had a few requests regarding the speed limit signs, when entering the Square, which is actually obstructed by a cross walk sign.  The City Manager spoke to DPW and they are going to increase the signs going into the Square both north and south.

C.    Reports of Other City Officials

1.   Claims Committee Report (by City Solicitor Greg Dias)

Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2), a motion is made by Councilman Britto and seconded by Councilwoman Sousa to convene in closed session for the purposes of discussing claims & litigation.  Upon a roll call vote:  Councilman Botelho – Aye, Assistant Mayor Britto – Aye, Councilman Faria – Aye, Councilwoman Sousa – Aye, Mayor Briden – Aye, the motion is approved 5-0.

            EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE

            CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT

            TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101

====================================================================

            NEW CLAIMS

ANTHONY CANDILORO  $2,000.00

RM No. 17-018, Claim No. 17-010

Claim for reimbursement of expenses associated with the restoration of electrical service due to damage to a utility pole struck by a City snow plow.  See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.

Motion by:  Councilwoman Sousa                              Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Approve the claim in the amount of $2,000.00.

MANUEL & LAURA QUADROS  $225.00

RM No. 17-022, Claim No. 17-014

Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of sewer backup caused by roots from a City tree.  See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.

Motion by:  Councilman Faria                                    Seconded by:  Councilwoman Sousa

Motion:  Approve the claim in the amount of $225.00.

HEATHER L. ROBINSON  $841.09

RM No. 17-020, Claim No. 17-012

Claim for property damage to claimant’s front driver’s side tire when a fire truck attempted to maneuver between two vehicles that were parked on both sides of Wendell Street.

Motion by:  Councilman Faria                                    Seconded by:  Councilwoman Sousa

Motion:  Defer the claim for additional information.

PENDING CLAIMS

MARGARET M. HOFMANN          $311.30

RM No. 17-012, Claim No. 17-005

Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred to replace the left sidelight window on the front door when the police department used force entry in response to a 911 call.  The Claims Committee at its meeting held on March 21, 2017 voted to defer the claim for additional information from the Police Chief.

Motion by:  Councilman Faria                        Seconded by:  Councilwoman Sousa

Motion:  Approve the claim in the amount of $311.30.

CLAIM FOR RECONSIDERATION

TERESA D. LEBEAU           $316.41

RM No. 17-003, Claim No. 17-001

Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Tripps Lane.  The Claims Committee voted on March 21, 2017 to defer the claim for additional information from the Director of Public Works.

Motion by:  Councilman Britto                                   Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Approve the claim in the amount of $148.90.

SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS

JULIA A. BAIROS   $85.92

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 41 Brentwood Drive in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Faria                                    Seconded by:  Councilman Britto

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $85.92.

LULLY & STEPHANIE CABRAL  $371.82

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 61 Fairview Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Botelho                               Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $371.82.

GJB REALTY, INC.  $1,933.20

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 75 Purchase Street in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Botelho                               Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Defer for additional information.

JOHN MELLO           $97.63

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 74 Silver Spring Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Faria                                    Seconded by:  Councilman Botelho

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $97.63.

CHERYL MOONEY $107.40

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 160 Brightridge Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Faria                                    Seconded by:  Councilwoman Sousa

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $107.40.

HELENA M. READ  $152.62

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 65 Kingsford Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Britto                                   Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $152.62.

JOHN REZENDES (ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL)          $5,047.80

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 1098 Pawtucket Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Britto                                   Seconded by:  Councilman Botelho

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $5,047.80.

CANDACE CAIN SEEL      $226.08

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 1340 South Broadway in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Britto                                   Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $226.08.

PATRICIA S. WILLIAMS   $543.23

Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 74 Hazard Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).

Motion by:  Councilman Botelho                               Seconded by:  Councilman Faria

Motion:  Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $543.23.

A motion is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. and reconvene in open session.  Upon a roll call vote, the motion is approved 5-0.

A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

D.    Report of School Committee Liaison

There is no School Committee Report.

E.     Resolutions

1.      RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE EAST PROVIDENCE WORKING CITIES INITIATIVE CHALLENGE

Councilman Faria requests the Clerk read the Resolution.

WHEREAS, the community of the City of East Providence by and through its staff and City Council wish to carry on a large scale systematic change initiative to the Riverside area of the City of East Providence; and

WHEREAS, the funds necessary to participate and carry out such an initiative is lacking but needed to assist in a systematic change in the short and long term to assist low income and minority members of the community; and

WHEREAS, the residents of the City and the members of the East Providence City Council are willing to offer their full support and personal time to this tremendous opportunity to improve the lives of Riverside residents that would be afforded by receipt of this grant to fund this initiative; and

WHEREAS, the Council members in the Riverside area specifically are willing to commit to attending meetings on this Working Cities Initiative Challenge for their terms in office to help organize community leaders and assist in the organization of individuals for this systematic change and to facilitate obtaining this grant.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the East Providence City Council declare their full support to the Working Cities Initiative Challenge to work with the community of East Providence and the residents of the City including public, private, and non-profit sectors, to make systematic change in both the short and long-term, and to organize community leadership groups and community resources to facilitate teams to set priorities to address and impact said systematic change to benefit low income and minority members of the East Providence/Riverside community.

Requested by:  Councilman Faria

Councilman Faria stated a lot of people have asked about this.   They have just completed the first phase.  He met with David Bachrach.  There are 7 in the final phase.  He thanked the groups for their part to help the community. He thanked David Bachrach and all those involved in the effort.  David noted they had a core team working on this for 6 months and a lot of the community groups were involved and it was quite a group effort including the Council and Planning Department.   

A motion to approve the Resolution is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

XV.          ADJOURNMENT

A motion to Adjourn at 9:01PM is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

Approved By Council:  April 18, 2017

Attest:  _____________

                    City Clerk