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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
December 19, 2017
7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
7:00 P.M. Council May Call An Executive Session, Room 101
7:30 P.M. Open 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. New Claims
1. Joan E. Allen
2. Tara Cruz
B. Sewer Charge Abatements
1. Taylor Drive Associates
Mayor Briden calls the meeting to order at 7:36PM.
A. Letters
1. CRMC Semi-Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 5:00PM, Administration Building, Cafeteria, One Capitol Hill, Providence (02908)
2. Notice of New Property Number, 23-25 Kettle Point Avenue (02914), Map 209, Block 03, Parcel 001.70, Zoning KP
3. Notice of New Property Number, 81 Wilmarth Avenue (02914), Map 205, Block 07, Parcel 040.00, Zoning R6
4. Notice of New Property Number, 85 Wilmarth Avenue (02914), Map 205, Block 07, Parcel 038.00, Zoning R6
5. Notice of New Property Number, 83 Wilmarth Avenue (02914), Map 205, Block 07, Parcel 015.10, Zoning R6
B. Cancellation/Abatements Tax Board of Review
Year Amount
2017 $930.10
Total $930.10
C. Council Journals
1. Council Journal Regular Meeting December 5, 2017
2. Council Journal Executive Session December 5, 2017
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Councilwoman Sousa is granted unanimous consent and requests the Council move the Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Council meeting to Wednesday, January 3, 2018. The Council agrees unanimously to move the new meeting date.
A. Brian Coogan requesting to address the Council seeking Council approval to donate a parcel of land for a Sculpture Memorial of Kevin "KRob" Robinson. (see resolution)
This item is deferred.
There are no public comments.
A. High School Building Presentation (by Mayor Briden)
School Committee Member Nate Cahoon spoke. He notes they had a recent building meeting regarding the schematic design with input from teachers, administration etc… this has all helped define spaces, size and overall size of building. They will meet again in early January. They are asking if the council can convene on January 23rd and review and consider the approval for Stage 2. Stage 2 just releases to RIDE the plan it doesn't commit any money.
The Superintendent met with State leaders and is receiving positive feedback from the State regarding this project.
Mayor Briden asks if there is any indication as to whether they would be able to pay the percentage and not the whole amount and then seek to be reimbursed.
School Committee Member Cahoon states the indication is that they would be asked to bond for the full amount pending the state's approval of the $250 million bond. In working with the General Assembly and the Governor’s Task Force there is an indication that there may be an opportunity to do some creative things to increase the City's bond potential and to get the reimbursement rushed earlier than normal.
Councilman Faria asks how far along in Phase 2 would they arrive at a design.
School Committee Member Cahoon states the whole purpose of Stage 2 is to develop that schematic design packet. There is that tinkering with spaces and more of that will continue and come January 23rd they will be able to see it more clearly. RIDE supports new construction. The key hiccup in a refurbished option is that they don’t have the swing space so that while they are constructing they don't have the ability for it to be serviceable at all. Basically that was a key factor.
Mayor Briden asks at what point will they have insight as to the percentage the City will have to pay?
School Committee Member Cahoon states they could go to RIDE with a Stage 2 solution at that point asking what they reimburse and at what rate. A lot of that information will follow. Based on past cycles they will probably hear back in late spring.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks about the cost per square foot.
School Committee Member Cahoon states the SLAM number is $380 or $390 per square foot but that is probably a little low. Our state aid is 54% but there are additions here and there that maximum reimbursement which can go as far as 74% of the total cost. The buildout is completed and then reimburse is at the end.
Mayor Briden states at the original $380 per square foot with 330 thousand square feet at that amount it would be about $127 million plus demo costs and other expenses. So that estimate would be about $140 million with the 75% reimbursement it would be $35 million on the city side. The Council will also need to sit with its fiscal advisor to see how that fits into the 5 year plan. There already exists in the budget without the buildout a fixed 3.5% increase. As they go down this road they will need to make certain choices as to what they want to do. They have discussed the possibility of not syncing and instead financing a new school even if predominantly a 75% reimbursement is met. They would want to meet with the finance director and the fiscal advisor.
School Committee Member Cahoon states they should also look at what school districts look like after new construction. People move back in. They are happy to work with the City’s finance folks and tell them everything they need to know. They can't tell them specifically how much of that rate they are looking at but they will target every bit they can to get the most reimbursements possible.
Councilman Botelho states that they have gone through various gyrations with this particular project. In the end, they will need to look at the whole plan, how much it will cost and based on what the state will reimburse it will tell them how much the average tax payer will pay in an increase. The bond has to go to the people and the choice basically comes down to them. He just hates to see them go through all this work so he is just hoping that as they put this together, when they are managing a project, they look at the end first and then look backwards. If they have that dollar amount in their head for the tax payer,if the taxpayer wants to and is willing to pay then they should do this.
School Committee Member Cahoon states he agrees with the Councilman 100%. If the tax payers are willing to invest in their community and how it will look 10 years from now is entirely up to them.
Councilman Botelho states he just wants to disclose to them before so that they have all the information they can.
School Committee Member Cahoon states absolutely they will fully disclose.
Mayor Briden states there needs to be a breakdown for how much financially they will be responsible for as he doesn’t want to see voters support it and then later on not realize it is affecting their taxes. The concern is whether or not they understand the complexity of what they are deciding and in order for him to support it, it needs to makes sense financially. He doesn’t want to make a decision approving something and then finding out something later. If they choose and say synch with next year’s contribution is $45-$50 million and if they go down that road it necessitates a choice. They also have to balance getting TANS in the future.
Councilman Botelho states yes and that is the Mayor’s conservative nature and he thanks him for that. In the last year, they have shown if they are going to borrow they are putting it into capital expenses. If they take care of the roads, the water tower and the buildings and other projects they think that they are in a good stride to be able to do that and feels this council has demonstrated sound fiscal policy and as long as they prescribe to the same policy they should be ok.
School Committee Member Cahoon states the 75% is a great sound financial investment this is something the community should decide. The 54% is the starting point and what causes it to go up potentially as high as 74% would be the STEM model and the degree to which they incorporate renewable energy and accessibility for disability, career and technical additions as well as Pre K all which is in the scope of design to max that reimbursement rate by doing it all.
Mayor Briden asks if there will be an opportunity to modify what ends up being submitted. Is there an opportunity to scale back with a hybrid type plan costing around $100 million. He is thinking forward over the next decade and by not synchronizing they have other capital needs in the city, roads, other buildings and it all needs to be worked into a comprehensive plan. If the reimbursement rates are not as favorable.
School Committee Member Cahoon states what is driving it now is the educational need which drives the space which drives the price and feedback will come as this progresses though it decreases day by day.
Following the discussion the Council sets a special meeting for January 23, 2018 at 7:00PM.
B. Follow Up to the “Pleasant Street Do Not Enter Sign” Meeting (by Assistant Mayor Britto)
C. Elderly and Disabled City Help Line (by Councilman Faria)
D. Update on Credit Card Service Fees for Monthly Water/Sewer Bills (by Councilman Faria)
Councilman Faria calls Kelly Ahrens IT Director to the podium. He asked her for the analysis she had stated at a previous meeting which she was going to provide.
Director Ahrens states about 14 thousands residents pay on line. The City needs to promote not only paying on line but other on line services. She notes for those fees collected through a credit card, the city doesn’t see those fee,s those are paid to the vendor invoice cloud and are paid by the resident.
Councilman Botelho explaines that some residents are paying their taxes on line and using vision government solutions and when they look it up it tells them they owe penalties after telling them it was paid in full and in addition it’s not even easy to find it on the website.
Director Ahrens states that Vision can be used for property and auto and Harris can be used for water and sewer.
Councilman Botelho notes that the explanation he got from Treasury was it says right on the website that the figure may not be accurate but it doesn't say that at all. He adds he is all for doing this but they really need to make sure they get it right.
Councilman Faria states that is absolutely right they need to get that corrected in that department.
Councilman Botelho asks the City Manager to follow up on this.
E. Human Resources (by Councilman Faria)
This item was deferred until the next meeting.
F. Coyotes (by Councilman Faria)
Councilman Faria lets people know there will be a meeting to discuss the recent siting’s of coyotes in the Riverside area. There will be a biologist present as well a biologist from RI DEM to work with the City and discuss best practices for keeping coyotes out of your yard. Both Chief Parella and Animal Control Officer Will Muggle came to the podium and will be present at the meeting along with the City Manager.
Councilwoman Sousa adds that education is the best solution as they need to be respectful of the smaller space wildlife has to live in, in our communities.
G. Council Docket Preparation (by Councilman Faria)
Councilman Faria removed this item.
H. Santa's Helpers Giving Tree (by Councilwoman Sousa)
Councilwoman Sousa thanks everyone who has participated in the Santa helpers giving tree. They were able to assist 4 families and a men’s group home there are still some ornaments available. The due date for returning gifts is Thursday afternoon whether they are wrapped or unwrapped. The presents will be distributed on Friday and she will keep people posted with photos on line on the city website.
I. State Street Update Phragmites Removal (by Councilwoman Sousa)
Councilwoman Sousa states there will be a meeting next week regarding State Street for her, DPW and the City Manager regarding where they are in terms of removal and subsequent projects in the area as well as upkeep. They went in and trimmed and did some removal as well as a substantial amount of work clearing canals and channels. It is still dense after not being treated for so many years and they will continue to work in the area after meeting this week and in January. They will put together a nice presentation of the before and after and how much work went into it. There is a good water flow passing through where they were strangling before and they will continue to address other issues to get better relief during rain storms.
J. Watchemoket Square Traffic Safety/Study (by Councilwoman Sousa)
Councilwoman Sousa states this is an art district now and it has become increasing popular and has diverted traffic out of the heart of the city. What she has noticed is the configuration during construction, the layout of the road presents a safety issue to residents and businesses. Either the traffic or patrons will have a potential issue especially with the bike path coming from the Washington Bridge. She is requesting the City Manager and the Chief of Police do a traffic study to address the issue because the Waterfront District with Chevron and Bold Point Park and the concerts which she notes the EPPD do a phenomenal job with but that strip has become almost a highway. There are only two stop signs in that area. There is a major gap between First and Valley streets and those on Warren Avenue cannot see particularly those coming off the bike path. They need to address this before it becomes a major issue they need to be proactive.
K. ADP Integrated Systems (by Councilwoman Sousa)
This item was deferred.
Councilwoman Sousa states this was something she was going to defer to the following meeting as it deserves an in depth conversation and being a Holiday week she would prefer to be a little light at this meeting. The City currently has ADP which it uses for multiple things and this company offers a robust amount of other services they should and could use and she doesn’t feel the city is utilizing them to the best of its ability and these could save the city money.
A. 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 Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269 entitled “Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Roger Williams Avenue (eastbound and westbound traffic) at Leahy 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: Councilman Britto
Assistant Mayor Britto states he has been contacted by residents in the neighborhood regarding speeding issues and some neighbors have had to take the initiative to use reflectors and other items to try to remedy the situation. He adds that he surveyed the area and went door to door and the majority of the neighbors see this as a safety issue.
Chief Parella is called to the podium he notes it is a very narrow portion of Roger Williams Avenue and is near a playground.
A motion to approve the Ordinance for Second Passage is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
B. ***CORRECTIVE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CHAPTER 680, BOOK 22, PAGES 29 & 30
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 11 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “PERSONNEL, PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT”
A motion to dispense with the reading of the ordinance is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Chapter 11 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, 1998, as amended, entitled “Personnel,” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Sec. 11-241. Nonservice-connected death.
Upon death of a member due to any cause other than an act of duty occurring while a member is in service, on sick leave with salary, on an approved leave of absence extending not more than six months continuously or while in receipt of a service retirement annuity or nonservice-connected disability annuity, if such member shall have at least three years of credited service, his surviving widow shall be entitled to an annuity. The annuity shall be equal to 30 percent of average final salary, increased one percentage point for each year of credited service above three years, up to a maximum amount equal to 50 percent of final average salary. Eligibility for such annuity shall be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The widow shall have been married to the member at least one year prior to the date of death of the member or prior to the date of retirement on a service retirement annuity or nonservice-connected disability annuity, whichever occurs first and in any event while the member was in service.
(2) The widow shall be at least 55 years of age, otherwise commencement of payments on the annuity shall be deferred until the widow attain such age.
(3) The annuity shall terminate in any event upon remarriage, and any change in marital status thereafter shall create no rights for the widow to any annuity or any other payment from the system.
(4) The minimum payment to a widow in any case shall be 30 percent of average final salary, and the maximum shall be 50 percent of such average final salary.
a. If a widow has an unmarried minor child in her care under age 18, payment of the widow's annuity shall begin immediately regardless of whether the widow shall have attained age 55. In such a case, the annuity for the widow shall be increased ten percent of final average salary on account of each such minor child, provided that the maximum payment on account of a widow and children shall not exceed 60 percent of final average salary. If such limitation is exceeded, all annuities shall be prorated to conform therewith.
b. Payments on account of minor children shall terminate upon their attainment of age 18, death or marriage, whichever first occurs. If a widow remarries, the annuity on account of each minor child shall be increased to 15 percent of final average salary, subject to a limitation of 50 percent of final average salary to all minor children.
c. Should payments on account of minor children terminate before the widow attains age 55, the annuity to the widow shall be suspended until the widow attains age 55.
d. Minor children shall include children of the blood and adopted children, provided that the proceedings for adoption shall have been initiated at least one year prior to the date of death of the member.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect retroactive to October 3, 2017 and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Councilman Faria
Councilwoman Faria states that the ordinance has already been passed by the Council however this is a correction.
Solicitor Dias states that the issue came about in the boards keeping of the minutes. This correction reflects the board member’s vote on the matter.
A motion to approve the Ordinance for Final Passage is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
C. 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 Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269 entitled “Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Hoyt Avenue (eastbound and westbound traffic) at Greenwood Avenue
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 Britto
A motion to approve the Ordinance for Final Passage is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
D. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 11 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “PERSONNEL”
A motion to dispense with the reading of the ordinance is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Subsection (b) of Sec. 11-235 entitled “Requirements for service retirement” of Article V entitled “Firemen’s and Policemen’s Pension Fund” of Chapter 11 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, 1998, as amended, entitled “Personnel,” is amended to read as follows:
(b) Any member shall be subject to compulsory retirement upon attainment of age 60 62.
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
Mayor Briden states he would like to have some feedback from the Police Union. He would find it much easier to commit if he knew this otherwise he is more hesitant to do so.
A motion to approve the Ordinance for Final Passage is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote the motion passes 3-2 with Assistant Mayor Britto and Mayor Briden voting Nay.
A. City Managers Report (by City Manager Timothy Chapman)
1. Auditor Approval Report
The City Manager states this is a request for approval. It was looked at also by the Finance Director and the Controller and has eliminated the highest and lowest bid and took the firm with many resources whose client base consists of 50 cities and schools and is the largest consulting firm in New England, Bloom Shapiro. They have a depth of knowledge which the city has not had in the past.
Councilman Faria calls Director Moore to the podium.
Director Moore recommends the firm. He notes they go out to bid every three years as requested by the Auditor General. The have had the current firm for 5 years. They submit bids to the Auditor General to seek his recommendation and all agreed on Bloom Shapiro and he believes they are the lowest credible bidder. They did some research and found nothing but glowing remarks from all.
A motion to Approve is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
The City Manager thanks DPW for the last 2 Friday nights forgoing their Christmas party to handle snow storms and he thanks them for that.
Councilman Faria thanks DPW for repaving three roads in Riverside and finishing earlier than expected and just before the snow.
B. Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report (by City Solicitor Gregory Dias)
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2), a motion is made by Councilwoman Sousa and seconded by Councilman Britto 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, DECEMBER 19, 2017; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101
====================================================================
NEW CLAIMS
JOAN E. ALLEN $19.18
RM No. 17-088, Claim No. 17-047
Claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred when the claimant stepped on broken glass while walking on a paved pathway in Larisa Park. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Faria Seconded by: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Deny the claim.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | | √ |
| Nay | | | | √ | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | | | |
TARA CRUZ Unspecified
RM No. 17-095, Claim No. 17-053
Claim for personal injuries sustained when the claimant fell while walking on a sidewalk on Waterman Avenue. Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilman Faria Seconded by: Councilman Britto/Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | | | |
SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS
TAYLOR DRIVE ASSOCIATES $962.84
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 60 Taylor Drive in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $962.84.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | | | |
A motion is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Botelho to adjourn at 7:15 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 Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
C. Report of School Committee Liaison
School items were discussed earlier in the meeting under Council members.
D. Resolution
1. RESOLUTION REQUESTING LEGISLATION TO UPDATE THE EAST PROVIDENCE WATERFRONT DISTRICT COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the structure of the East Providence Waterfront District Commission was originally set by public law in 2003 and the City has experienced numerous changes in the proceeding years and;
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence will be transitioning from a Council-Manager form of government to a Mayor-Council form of government which the current enabling statute does not contemplate and;
WHEREAS, the complicated process of appointing a Chairperson to the East Providence District Waterfront Commission has led to the position being vacant for eight (8) years and;
WHEREAS, communication and collaboration between the East Providence Waterfront District Commission and the elected leaders of the City has been lacking and;
WHEREAS, the crucial decisions the East Providence Waterfront Commission undertakes creates a need for greater public transparency.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of East Providence requests our state delegation in the General Assembly to enact legislation to update the East Providence Waterfront District Commission in the next legislative session.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City Council of the City of East Providence requests the following changes to the Commission’s membership structure.
-The City Council of East Providence have two appointees from among the city residents or property owners, nominated by the Council President and appointed by the full City Council for two year terms on a rotating basis each February. One appointee shall have experience in engineering or architecture and the other shall be a member from the general public;
-The Mayor of East Providence have two appointees from with among the city residents or property owners, one appointee shall have experience in economic development or planning and the other shall be a member from the general public. Appointments shall be for four year terms on August of even numbered years;
-That the East Providence Chamber of Commerce nominate a member from the East Providence business community subject to the ascent of the Mayor and approval of the City Council for a term of three years;
-That the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, have four appointees. One with experience in construction related labor, one with experience in commercial real-estate, one with experience in finance and one from the general public for a four year term on a rotating basis each March;
-That the position of chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary be elected from among the appointed commissioners on a yearly basis;
-That the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee and the Council President or designated City Council member serve as ex-officio non-voting members.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City Council of the City of East Providence requests the following additional changes for the sake of operation and transparency;
-That the quorum be set at a majority of sworn voting members;
-That the Commission shall make its annual report, already required by law, available to the general public online and in print;
-That the language in Section 9 regarding the annual report be changed from “Mayor as President of the City Council” to language that reflects Mayor and President of the City Council;
-That in addition to the current notice requirements, the Commission shall be required to provide ten days’ notice of public hearings and that such notice shall be posted on the commission’s website and the Secretary of State’s website.
Requested by: Councilman Faria
Councilman Faria notes he wants to establish a much closer communication between the Council and the Waterfront Commission. He adds that Councilman Botelho made a very compelling argument that the chair has not been official appointed since 2009. He also reached out to EP delegation members who are also in favor of pushing this resolution along.
Councilman Botelho states this particular resolution requires the General Assembly to make the changes. The Council cannot make these on their own. After looking it over he feel it solves a lot of problems in terms of the Waterfront Commission being able to appoint its own chair and defines the role better in relationship to the City Council and feels it is a really good resolution and the General Assembly can take it up and restructure it to make it more effective.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks if anyone was present from the Waterfront Commission to speak on behalf of it.
None are present.
Councilman Botelho states that since their previous discussion on the matter they have reached out to the council and he would say in a much more forthright manner. He will be attending the next Waterfront Commission meeting on January 18th regarding a proposal for much of the Waterfront off the Parkway and South Key area and those interested ought to attend that meeting and also those who really want to see what the Chevron people will be presenting. They have come up with some really good ideas and they are at a point now where time is right to develop the Waterfront to make the city look great.
Assistant Mayor Britto notes he does like the idea that the public is more inclusive but he doesn’t like that selecting from each ward was removed and he would like to hear from the Waterfront Commission.
Councilman Botelho states he can understand that and it's just a resolution asking them to pass legislation.
Assistant Mayor Britto states he would just like to have heard from them and adds that he likes the fact that they did include the chamber and commercial real estate construction.
Mayor Briden states that he shares the same feelings and would like the commission chair to review and opine on this as he is not comfortable with some of the introductory language particularly where they have been in compliance with open meetings law and he would like them to weigh in on this.
A motion to approve the Resolution is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote the motion passes 3-2 with Assistant Mayor Britto deferring his vote and Mayor Briden voting Nay.
2. RESOLUTION HONORING KEVIN ‘K-ROB’ ROBINSON
WHEREAS, Kevin ‘K-Rob’ Robinson, was taken from us unexpectedly and all too young on December 9th, 2017; and
WHEREAS, K-Rob was one of East Providence’s greatest sons and a shining example of what Townie Pride truly means; and
WHEREAS, K-Rob rose to international renown in 2006 when he won gold medals at X Games 12 for his unmatched BMX abilities; and
WHEREAS, K-Rob was not a man that set out into the world for himself, he was always focused on community. When he set the world record for the longest power assisted backflip, he dedicated his accomplishment to the great state of Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, While the world may know K-Rob for his place in the Guinness World Records, as the first master of the “double flair”, his four gold medals, or for his tenacity and fearlessness soaring through the skies on a bike, East Providence knows him as one of the great leaders of our great City; and
WHEREAS, the K-Rob Foundation has excelled in its mission to help the children of our community stay involved in sports by covering league participation costs, hosting a myriad of family focused events, and helping to establish the City’s first free public skate park; and
WHEREAS, K-Rob is the sort of person whose life was a source of joy for all those around him, our memories of K-Rob and his impact on the community will stretch far into the future; and
WHEREAS, we remember his call to live life to the fullest, to challenge ourselves, to go beyond our comfort zones, to learn through our failures, and to push through our challenges; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of East Providence wishes to recognize, honor, and memorialize one of its finest citizens Kevin "K-Rob" Robinson for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the citizens of East Providence; and
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence desires Mr. Coogan and the K-Rob Foundation to showcase and preserve a monument at the traffic island between Taunton Avenue, Grove Avenue, and Purchase Street making the dream of "Riding High in the Sky" a reality.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of East Providence and the City Council hereby names the traffic island between Taunton Avenue, Grove Avenue, and Purchase Street the Kevin ‘K-Rob’ Robinson Monument.
Requested by: Councilwoman Anna Sousa
This item was deferred.
Councilman Faria is granted unanimous consent to speak about the streaming issue and he notes that most of the issues arose according to the service provider, Cox Cable, from a water damage issue to the line which they repaired.
A moment of silence is held in memory of Kevin Robinson.
A motion to Adjourn at 9:23PM is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Approved By Council: January 3, 2018
Attest: _______________
City Clerk