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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 17, 2018
6:45 P.M.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
6:45 P.M. Council May Call An Executive Session, Room 101
7:30 P.M. Open Session
*Note Councilwoman Sousa is absent.
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).
A. Claims
1. Allstate Insurance (Ins: Edward Kollette)
2. Timothy J. Conley
3. John Cunningham
4. Jean Gordon
5. Robert Kennedy
6. Pierce Field Vandalism
7. Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. (Ins: Eric Auger)
8. Donna M. Remington
9. Kathleen A. Santos
B. Sewer Charge Abatements
1. Olga Boyd-Brites
2. Kristin Cadoret
3. Ronald L. McGreen
4. Elaine T. Medeiros
C. Request for Approval of Agreement between City of East Providence the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local Number 569.
II. OPEN SESSION
III. CALL TO ORDER
IV. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
V. TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Letters
1. Town of Barrington Resolution in opposition to the Governor’s FY2019 Budget Request, Article 1-Quasi- Public Reserve Transfers and Article 10-Quasi-Public Reserve Transfers.
2. North Smithfield School Committee Resolutions in opposition to Contract Continuation and Binding Arbitration and in support of School Construction General Obligation Referendum and a referendum amending Article XII to be placed before the voters.
3. Town of Charlestown Resolution in support of the removal of the “Sunset” Provision regarding the residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation and in support of H7769 and S2751 an act relating to the subdivision of land and in opposition to S2413 an act relating to zoning ordinances.
4. Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District Resolution in support of School Construction General Obligation Referendum.
5. CRMC notice for Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan (Beach SAMP)
B. Alcoholic Beverage Class F
St Mary Academy Bay View, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) Fundraiser Manhattan at the Bay, April 26-27, 2018, Erin Hanna.
C. Alcoholic Beverage Class F-1
St Mary Academy Bay View, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) Fundraiser 35th Anniversary MATB Part 2, April 28, 2018, Erin Hanna.
D. Council Journals
1. Council Journal Special Meeting March 28, 2018
2. Council Journal Regular Meeting April 3, 2018
3. Council Journal Special Meeting April 5, 2018
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilman Faria and Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
VI. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. A Posthumous Proclamation for Mayor Roland Grant - Mayor Briden
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
City of East Providence
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Roland Grant was a member of the East Providence City Council from 1990-2006 and served as Mayor for two terms; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Grant was a member of the East Providence Police Department for 35 years retiring as a Corporal. He was past president of the FOP Lodge #1 and the Rhode Island Police Officers Emerald Society and in 1988 was the Rhode Island Police Officer of the year as well as serving as a crisis intervention officer for East Bay Mental Health; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Grant served his country honorably during the Korean War and later earned his Master’s Degree from Salve Regina University where he taught Criminal Justice; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his City employment and Council duties he also served as a member of the Hibernians, RI Irish Famine Memorial and member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1528 where he served as Grand Knight.
NOW THEREFORE, I, James Briden, Mayor of the City of East Providence, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby posthumously present this proclamation of recognition to the Grant Family for:
Roland Grant
Given under my hand and seal of the City this seventeenth day of April two thousand eighteen.
Attest:
| _____________________ | _____________________ |
| Kim A. Casci-Palangio | James A. Briden |
| City Clerk | Mayor |
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Samantha Burnett, 304 Wilson Avenue (02916) requesting to address the Council regarding the East Providence City Council term limit follow up.
Ms. Burnett asks the City Clerk which council members contacted her to codify and the City Clerk responds, Councilman Botelho, Councilman Faria and Councilwoman Sousa.
She asks the Solicitor if the Board of Canvassers has met since December 2017 and if so where are the minutes located. Assistant Solicitor Dias responds he believes they have and that all minutes are filed with the Secretary of State on that website and not on City website.
Ms. Burnett also inquired about the canvassing minutes as the ones she did find only contained that they approved the ballot results not any discussion regarding the 2018 election and she is wondering if that is all there was with no discussion at all.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
A. Thomas Riley, 3620 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) - Lights and Legal Department
IX. APPOINTMENTS
A. Juvenile Hearing Board Re-Appointment (by Assistant Mayor Britto)
Christine Jackson, 228 Thatcher Street (02916)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilman Faria and Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
B. Tree Warden Reappointment (by Mayor Briden)
Ronald Nawrocki, 50 Tanglewood Drive (02915)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilman Faria and Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
X. COUNCIL MEMBERS
A. Review of Budgetary Charter Amendments (by Mayor Briden)
Mayor Briden calls Mr. Luba to the podium. Mr. Luba explains the old charter required what was called a budget reserve fund and required 1% of anticipated revenues until it reached 10%. Once it hit 10% that 1% then became part of the capital fund leaving a current reserve fund balance of $14.8 million. The problem with the reserve balance as discussed during the charter commission is that it is very difficult to get any funding out of it. Either the City didn't get the revenues anticipated or had a big debt for a bond payment. The new charter redid this and split it and upped the reserve requirements from 10 to 12 however it lowered the standard that would apply the 1% and that is the standard which the city will be using next year. It means it requires a 7% restricted fund and can’t be used unless something extraordinary happens ie: debt payments. There will be a period of time the city will actually be able to access it and the 5% unrestricted fund is to use for whatever is needed but it has to be paid back. If it is used, it only requires that 1% is put in every year to pay it back. At the end of 2018 there will be a requirement to have a 7% fund. As for the 5% fund the city has $14.8 right now and doesn’t have to worry about adding to that reserve for the next year or two. For every extra tax or state fund the city receives every year it will have to put $120,000 in each year and he notes that 12% is a good amount. He adds that Mr. Fazioli mentioned during the charter commission only a few communities in RI have that much so East Providence is in good shape. East Providence also has the 1% which will go to the capital fund. The capital fund will be a bit smaller 1.2 instead of 1.5 but the reserve will be covered and there is $13.5 million to spend conceivably on capital but this is the last big reserve fund balance the city will have for some time that can be spent for roads or anything else. The school bond is going to require a fairly high debt pay balance. The synch fund balance, if used right, can do a lot for the city next year. This is probably the last chance to also utilize the annual $3.5 million. This year it was used on roads next year it can be used on roads or anything else. Next year it should be in good shape from a reserve standpoint the only things that have to be watched is taxes. They will probably go up because the school funding formula is probably leveled off. They may even be getting less from the State.
Councilman Botelho notes that being closer to a surplus of $35 million it seems like they are set up over a period of time to fix some of these things which have been languishing. Mr. Luba responds yes but adds the council will want to be careful because the city won’t accumulate any large reserves for some time with the pending school bond and the leveled funding from the state. Also important to note is that the city is not synchronized and taxes are taken in two different tax years and this can make it extremely difficult. It’s always hard to say what collections are going to be even with the early discount there could be a million dollar short fall that reserve could be used to cover bond payments. It’s in there and it can accessed and it's a good thing that the city really didn't tap into the synch fund much so now the city has that going forward. It was tried on three 3 separate instances in an attempt to go into those funds and it’s a good thing it didn’t happen because if the city faces the perfect storm again it’s in better shape to handle it.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks if the synch fund could be used for capital projects. Mr. Luba states yes about $1.3 million each year if they have to go to bonding to synchronize there is nothing in the charter saying what they have to put in and no restrictions on using it or paying it back but once it's gone it's gone so it's kind of a pot of money that the city is fortunate to have.
Note: Councilman Faria arrives at 8:00PM.
Mayor Briden states that after the perfect storm where a neighboring city filed bankruptcy and to avoid that in the future his question is how much would Mr. Luba recommend that they have in a reserve to safeguard the city’s ability to obtain TANS in the future? Mr. Luba states during the charter commission Mr. Fazioli was pushing for the reserve fund to be higher at 15% and he has some data from solid fiscal communities which would be helpful to look at.
Councilman Botelho asks where does the city rank in what they have in reserve? Mr. Luba states that Warwick has $20 million but that East Providence is in the top 5% and in funding OPEB they have $16 million where most communities have 0 or deficits. Somewhere down the road that will really lower the city’s medical costs.
B. RIDOT, signs and roadways (by Councilman Botelho)
Councilman Botelho provides an update on a few issues. One has to do with the Kent Heights Neighborhood Association which a few years back placed a sign on the corner of Pawtucket Avenue and Wampanoag Trail A. They took it upon themselves to cut the grass which had been ignored by DOT. They tried to go through the proper channels but with DOT it was a challenge and they never heard back. They cut the grass and planted flowers. Jim and Joan Miller then put a Christmas tree there. Last week DOT called and stated that it had to be taken down. After a couple of phone calls back and forth DOT still wants them to take it down and put up an 18x18 sign which no one will be able to read. That is where it stands. There are other signs on DOT islands which are larger than that throughout the city and the blue roadwork signs which are everywhere. He spoke to Steve Coutu and he seems to like the sign and doesn’t understand why it is happening as it is an effort to beautify an eyesore. About a year ago a process started where the city and DOT created a memorandum of understanding or agreement to do the horrible stretch of road on Pawtucket Avenue to Veterans Memorial Parkway to Warren Avenue and west on Warren Avenue and then Pawtucket Avenue to the high school and Taunton Avenue. The city would take on the task of actually doing it as those sidewalks have not been done since 1940. That is what the city was planning on doing and that agreement was placed before the city council for approval and the council approved it and the city put out an RFP and kept asking for the signed agreement back and for some reason it never came back. He began emailing DOT and they said it was now under review. He doesn’t understand this as they already came to an agreement and then was under review and they have now said they changed their mind and are not doing it. He adds that he thought if they could get that done it would take it off DOT’s plate. People ask why he always talks about back in the 1980s but there was a man names Richard Germaine. He couldn't drive as he was disabled and he walked everywhere and every day he would see him walking and one day he tripped over a crater in the sidewalk. That was 30 years ago and back then he placed the item on the docket every other month and the legislature would hold press conferences to get DOT to do it but it never happened and 30 years later it’s the same old game. Richard is gone now. Mr. Perry walks every day and George Martin walks it and the sidewalks are terrible. The council receives claims every week and pot holes are very prevalent. Just recently there was a woman who tripped on a sidewalk on Summit Street. Pawtucket Avenue looks like it was bombed out and DOT should be embarrassed. He has done the best he can and hopefully the city can find a way to take on the work to get it done and the State can pay the city back.
C. Technology and other updates, Council Chambers (by Councilman Botelho)
Councilman Botelho states the council chamber deserves an update. Many of the chairs are ripped or have broken arms. During power point presentations the screen rolls down and the lap top doesn't always work. It's like the 1980s and it’s time to enter into the 21st Century. What is needed is to have LED screen technology on the wall. A screens that are there to take a smart phone and people can have their presentations, it's called casting and the city is far behind in the chambers and he would like to do this. He asks if they need a vote.
Acting City Manager Moore states they just agreed to streaming these meetings live on You Tube as well as what the city currently does so they do need a streaming camera. What he would like to do is to make this easy for everyone out there so that it is not a challenge every 2 weeks to do some of these things. He adds that he can draw something up and present it to City Council for a vote.
D. LED Streetlight Petition or now No Petition?? (by Councilman Faria)
Councilman Faria apologizes for being late as he had a family matter to attend to. He notes he was at city hall earlier today working on items and what he really wants is to speak from the heart regarding LED lighting and how he became so passionate about this. He notes he has followed the other municipalities from Boston to Los Angeles and they have seen large savings which go back to the pockets of the taxpayer. At the last meeting, they took a vote for the high school and this vote was much bigger than the council. There is a perfect opportunity here to brighten city streets and turn on the red capped lights which were put in place by the budget commission. It was cost savings at the time but it darkened our streets and that is not the best remedy. He also has a very personal issue to him which he will never forget. The night a young man and co-worker of his daughter was riding his bike on Willett Avenue and was struck and killed. As a father, it was one of the hardest things he ever experienced and his daughter has never recovered from this. The anguish that night at his house was horrible. The next month he was meeting with Tim Chapman and Steve Coutu and this was something entertained for years but had never got to the finish line. What was the problem? He has a chronology from the very beginning in daily exchanges with the city manager and he sponsored a resolution. He has the minutes of meetings. However, these are minutes not transcripts. In early January, there was a meeting with National Grid and the city manager stated that they hate politicians and that he shouldn’t attend though he really want to attend. Assistant Solicitor Conley was there and unfortunately they couldn't come to an amicable resolve that day. This is a project he believes in 100%. His first action on the council was to turn lights on. Just today he was turning back on lights which had been darkened on Yale Avenue. At that time, the decision was the city would be filing a petition with the PUC and the PUC would render a decision in 90 days. This petition was to be filed by February 16th. He is not throwing anyone under the bus he just want to see this done. It is a wonderful program. He held a press conference on the item and the city manager provided him with talking points. The city manager’s writing was difficult to read so he had the city clerk type all those points. He has had this item on the docket every subsequent meeting when the solicitor and law department hadn't gotten to the petition yet he made daily calls and emails and asked for an update or for the petition and/or what was going on. He was told it was in draft form and was told it was 95% done. If he appeared to be frustrated it was just wanting it to go forward what we really needs is good communication between the council and law department particularly because he is the one championing it. Councilman Faria asks the council if they have any objection to having the Assistant Solicitor providing his update now and the council agrees.
The item under Reports of Other City Officials by Assistant Solicitor Conley is moved to this location on the docket.
Assistant Solicitor Conley explains after hearing about the level of concern at the previous council meeting he took time to watch and identify the issues and concerns brought out at that meeting and the memorandum he is handing out goes through these. There are a series of over lapping legal issues which he will address.
Councilman Faria notes he did read this and it was a personal attack and he doesn't want to rebut it he just wants to move forward.
Assistant Solicitor Conley states the City of Pawtucket has not gone forward for a myriad of issues and outlined in that memo he is not sure the savings outweigh the costs at this point. While getting a petition to the PUC is accurate it is required to include every single legal issue and that would mean that they would either raise or waive every claim, not just specific to the price but they would include such matters as whether or not they are responsible for those lights on state roads and if the city is required to purchase these and if there would be a higher tariff already applied or used to fund the conversion. If these are not brought forward in the original petition or if they only bring up one instead of all of them the city could lose the ability to do so in the future.
Councilman Faria asks why he was told in a March 5th email that it was in draft form then.
Assistant Solicitor Conley states the petition itself is not a large filing however it is binding upon National Grid for all street lights in RI. For this reason, it would take an exhaustive legal effort and for some unknown reason these efforts with National Grid have stymied.
Councilman Faria notes he has not received any other updates than the fact that the petition was 95% done since he has been bringing this up at meetings and in emails since January and he would like to know where the petition is.
Assistant Solicitor Conley states the format doesn't mean it is ready to be litigated. He doesn't bring this until they can successfully litigate it. He actually requested back in October this to be heard in executive session.
Councilman Faria states he can't speak as what happened prior to him. He got very active when he began to champion it. He has no agenda. Providence did it and a lot of communities have done it and all have reported tremendous savings. What he provided was given to him by DPW but he didn't ask about that at the end of the week on Thursday. They submit their docket items to the city clerk who then submits them to the law department who reviews and then it goes to the mayor and then it is posted. This has been an item repetitively on the docket all these months and never once did anyone say they wanted to come in and speak on it.
Assistant Solicitor Conley states his request to discuss the item in executive session in October was deferred and it was never brought back. Then it was consistently placed on the public session agenda and he can't discuss potential litigation that way. Prior to the April 3rd meeting, when there was a discussion at some length, Councilman Faria was in the office while the city manager and the law department were discussing the item and instead Councilman Faria just said why can't I get a petition and stormed out then requested to be present and did not arrive and had a number of opportunities to discuss.
Councilman Faria asks Acting City Manager Moore if he was ever invited and that the last correspondence was March 5th. He asks did he contact him every day.
Acting City Manager Moore states yes.
Councilman Faria states he was never made aware of any meeting.
Acting City Manager Moore states he told him about it but he doesn't believe he was invited to the meeting. He adds that Assistant Solicitor Conley did a good job explaining the complexities and it seemed logical to him and he said he would pass this on.
More questions were brought up and Acting City Manager Moore asks the Chair if this is the proper format for this.
Councilman Faria objects to this and for reasons to protect the city from liabilities he is not going to address these items.
Mayor Briden asks if they were to file a petition, given what has been explained, it is not in the best interest at this point, due to the complexity, he suggests the council put this down for an executive session.
Assistant Solicitor Conley agrees and adds he looks forward to it.
Councilman Faria notes he accepts that and if he had received one correspondence he would have told people this. He is not a practicing attorney and he doesn't know what the remedy should be but that all the bullet points were given to him by Mr. Chapman, DPW and the Law Department.
Assistant Solicitor Conley agrees and notes that was a goal date and one of the reasons there was a gap was due to an excessive amount of legal work the law department had to undertake which took precedence. Mr. Conley adds there was a deluge of legal work having to do with ie: grievances as these have deadlines, the 2 year 4 year issue which had developed as well as an investigation into Councilman Faria.
Councilman Faria states he objects. He adds previous to this meeting he was sitting with the city manager who urged the solicitor and the assistant solicitor about a political witch hunt. He adds he has never been asked one question and has no idea what this is about.
Mayor Briden cautions everyone to stay on the issue.
Councilman Faria states he made a charge that there is no basis for and they all know why he stated that. He adds it is all part of Facebook. We are filming now and streaming live. What are we teaching our kids we need to lead by example and this rebuttal came out and all he is trying to say is that he wanted to bring this to the taxpayers. He did in fact review the treaty Mr. Conley submitted and he still has no idea why and he believes everyone was copied on it. He was very disappointed and expressed that. They are no closer than they were in January. He feels he has been misled and he urges people not to fall for the spin. Councilman Botelho spoke about road projects and residents were excited and he was on that email. It was never going to happen. It is very disheartening. They are talking about streetlights and savings and he is not here to argue they should be a city team.
Assistant Solicitor Conley states he has no desire to make a member look bad or what his concerns are regarding Facebook. If he were to file without sufficient litigation support he is risking the city. The document goes to great lengths through all of those items and he went out of his way to outline the separate legal issues that have been taking up their time nothing was excluded or particularly chosen.
Mayor Briden states the topic is the update and the rest is unrelated. He will give his take on it as someone who has been a solicitor. He does not have an in depth knowledge of this case. However, he appreciates the assistant solicitor and understands the complexity and no one disputes that and the legal department worked hard and he has great respect for them. Moving forward and the most constructive step now is to set an executive session so that all have the opportunity to discuss and in consideration of others here for other matters this meeting needs to move forward.
Councilman Faria states there was no communication to this councilman and today we are hearing there is no petition.
Assistant Solicitor Conley states the Mayor recommended this discussion take place in executive session.
Mayor Briden states to put the item down for executive session at the next council meeting and they can discuss the matter in depth as these are important issues.
2. LED Streetlight Update (by Assistant Solicitor Conley)
XI. LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. Alcoholic Beverage Class C (Saloon) – Transfer
Waterfront Productions, LLC, to Waterfront Concerts, LLC, 600 Waterfront Drive at Bold Point Park, Alex Gray, 275 Lith Street, Old Town, ME (04468)
Katherine Spaziano the Manager is present to testify.
A motion to approve is the license transfer is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
B. Dance Entertainment – Transfer
Waterfront Productions, LLC, to Waterfront Concerts, LLC, 600 Waterfront Drive at Bold Point Park, Alex Gray, 275 Lith Street, Old Town, ME (04468)
A motion to approve is the license transfer is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
XII. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. Peddler
Pops All Beef Hot Dogs, 161 Rounds Avenue (02915), Gregory Saunders, 161 Rounds Avenue (02915).
A motion to approve is the license transfer is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARING
A. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT – REZONING OF MAP 302, BLOCK 1, PARCEL 32 (105R PAWTUCKET AVENUE) FROM INDUSTRIAL-1 TO PAWTUCKET AVNEUE WATERFRONT SUB-DISTRICT - PROPERTY OWNER – EUSTON, LLC
Zoning Map Amendment: Map 302, Block 1, Parcel 32 (105R Pawtucket Avenue) from Industrial-1 to Pawtucket Avenue Waterfront Sub-District.
Petition for Zoning Map Amendment: 105R Pawtucket Avenue
Petitioners: Euston, LLC
Attorney: None
Advertised East Providence Post – 3/29/18, 4/5/18, 4/12/18
Notices served on Abutters – 4/6/18
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ZONING”
A motion to dispense with the reading of the ordinance is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
SECTION I. Section 19-95 entitled “Districts Designated” of Article III entitled “District Regulations” is hereby amended as follows:
Parcel 32 on Assessor’s Map 302, Block 1 presently located in an Industrial-1 (I-1) District is hereby changed to be included in an East Providence Waterfront Special Development District- Pawtucket Avenue (PA) District.
The Zoning Map of the City of East Providence shall be amended accordingly.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Euston LLC
Acting Director of Planning Diane Feather states it really is a correction of an omission of one parcel which was approved on March 2, 2004 and is an addition that lists all of the parcels and districts in the waterfront. They had identified them by map block and parcel and the Fram property was included so if they look at the ad it doesn't read Pawtucket Avenue and reads all but parcel 32 which was omitted. The railroad track separates the parcel so it had a separate parcel number for the rear of the lot. They thought they were including the entire property so that tiny little omission of parcel 32 needs to be done 14 years later when they now have a developer. This is the only thing holding them back.
Solicitor Dias states this was heard before the Planning Board as well.
Councilman Botelho asks if this is more of a ministerial matter.
Director Feather states that is correct the burden is on the applicant under the letter of the law but the city’s interest is in correctly listing the matter. The public can still comment and the Council can still vote on it and it is to be developed as one parcel by one entity. It behooves the City to get this property in its entirety back on the tax rolls.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks if this was cleared with zoning and planning and Director Feather states yes it has and there are no conditions on that.
Mayor Briden states it is a house keeping item then. Director Feather states it is.
A motion to approve the Ordinance is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
B. ZONING MAP AMENDMENT – REZONING OF MAP 312, BLOCK 70, PARCEL 1 (444 BULLOCKS POINT AVENUE) FROM COMMERCIAL-2 TO RESIDENTIAL-4 - PROPERTY OWNER – ROBERT NASCIMENTO AND CAROL KOGUT
Zoning Map Amendment: Map 312, Block 70, Parcel 1 (444 Bullocks Point Avenue) from Commercial-2 to Residential-4.
Petition for Zoning Map Amendment: 444 Bullocks Point Avenue
Petitioners: Jorge Moitoso
Attorney: William C. Maaia
Advertised East Providence Post – 3/29/18, 4/5/18, 4/12/18
Notices served on Abutters – 4/9/18
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ZONING”
SECTION I. Section 19-95 entitled “Districts Designated” of Article III entitled “District Regulations” is hereby amended as follows:
Parcel 1 on Assessor’s Map 312, Block 70 presently located partly in a Commercial-2
(C-2) District and partly in a Residential-4 (R-4) District is hereby changed to be included in a Residential-4 (R-4) District in its entirety.
The Zoning Map of the City of East Providence shall be amended accordingly.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Jorge Moitoso
Solicitor Dias notes that he has a conflict and Assistant Solicitor Conley will handle this matter.
Jorge Moitoso is present to testify, 143 Cedar Street, Rehoboth, MA and discusses the type and style of the homes to be built on the property. Mr. Moitoso states they are 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom homes and will range in prices of $270,000-$345,000.
Attorney Sarah Smalley, 121 Earl Avenue (02915) is present for Attorney William Maaia and petitioner Jorge Moitoso. Attorney Smalley states this is to designate an R4 consistent with the property around it. This is a vacant lot which can be developed into the 3 residences. The Planning Board recommended the proposed rezone. It is consistent with the plan and comparable to the surrounding area of similarly sized residential lots. They are constructing new houses and have agreed to redo the sidewalk on Bullocks Point Avenue with new cement. She shows a photo of the current state of the area and the sidewalks. She also shows a photo of the house style.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks about the total acreage size per lot.
Attorney Smalley states it meets the minimum area requirement of 5000 and is slightly more than that.
Councilman Botelho asks about the abutting zoning. Attorney Smalley explains it is R4 to the east and then it is C2 and C4 and Councilman Botelho notes that what they are getting is actually lessening the use.
Assistant Mayor Britto states he has no issue taking a lot and beautifying it and it is going to look a lot better when done than an old broken building.
A motion to approve the Ordinance is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
XIV. PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCES FINAL PASSAGE
A. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION”
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 with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
SECTION I. Division 9 entitled “Housing Advisory Commission” of Article III entitled “Boards, Committees, Commissions” of Chapter 2 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Administration” is amended by deleting it in its entirety:
DIVISION 9. HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Sec. 2-184. Purpose.
A housing advisory commission, (the commission) is hereby created as an advisory commission to the city council and city manager for the purposes of overseeing the implementation of the city's housing action plan (the plan), providing information and advice on all aspects of the housing market that affect the quality of life and housing choices of city residents, and of making recommendations for city participation in the housing field including such areas as:
(1) Housing market and conditions;
(2) Housing supply and need;
(3) Housing affordability;
(4) Housing policies;
(5) Housing programs;
(6) Housing education.
Sec. 2-185. Membership.
The commission shall consist of seven people, the majority of whom shall be residents of the city, but may include individuals who work in the city, and include representatives from the following housing interest groups: Bankers/realtors; social service providers; clergy; labor; employers; builders/developers; and tenants. One member shall be the executive/director of the city housing authority or his designee. The other six members shall be appointments by each of the five city councilmembers and the city manager. The city council and the planning board shall, from their own membership, appoint a liaison to the commission who shall serve in an ex officio capacity.
Sec. 2-186. Compensation; terms and vacancies.
Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. The commission members shall serve terms of three years each provided that the members first appointed shall serve staggered terms. Vacancies caused by resignation, death or for any other reason shall be filled in the same manner set forth for the selection of the initial appointments, and for the unexpired term of the resignee.
Sec. 2-187. Organization; officers; rules; meetings.
(a) The commission shall meet at regular intervals throughout the year, but shall meet at least three times per year, and often enough to prepare timely recommendations on housing issues before the city council and other city boards.
(b) All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public, and any person or his duly constituted representative, shall be entitled to appear and be heard on any matter before the commission before it reaches final decision on such matter.
(c) The commission shall meet in January of each year to organize and elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary by a majority vote for a one-year term.
(d) The secretary of the commission shall keep minutes of its meetings which shall be public records.
(e) The city manager may designate one or more employees of the city to assist the commission.
(f) City officials and boards or commissions, shall upon request furnish to the commission within a reasonable time, such available information as it may require for its works.
(g) A quorum of the commission shall consist of four voting members.
Sec. 2-188. Duties.
(a) Housing action plan. The commission shall oversee implementation of the housing action plan (the plan) as approved by the planning board and adopted by the city council. The commission shall study and make recommendations to the city council on specific actions the city should take, in order to carry out the plan in a consistent and properly coordinated manner. The commission will work with the housing coordinator, planning board, zoning board of review and other city agencies to assure consistency with the plan, but will make independent recommendations to the city council on actions that have bearing on the goals set out in the plan. Working with the planning board, department of planning, and city housing authority, the commission shall conduct a yearly review and make recommendations to keep the plan current. This review will include a report to the planning board and city council on the city's progress working towards the stated goals and objectives of the plan and recommendations for any needed amendments to the housing action plan.
(b) Education. The commission, working with the department of planning and city planning board, shall perform tasks that serve to educate the public about the citywide housing agenda including the goals and objectives of the plan. This may include sponsoring workshops with real estate professionals, presentations to civic groups, and other educational activities which are relevant to the goals of the plan. The commission shall be involved in generating public support and understanding of programs or projects the city undertakes to implement the plan.
(c) Outreach. The commission shall work with the department of planning, planning board, and city council to establish a strong working relationship with state housing mortgage finance corporation and other agencies in the housing field such as United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the state office of intergovernmental relations. The commission shall work with neighboring communities to promote regional solutions to housing problems that extend beyond the geographic boundaries of the city, including fair share and fair housing policies, and to promote areas where cooperative efforts will benefit city residents.
(d) Coordination with other city boards and agencies. The commission shall have the opportunity to review and make recommendations, based on the goals of the plan on the following and on any issues which are pertinent to the goals of the plan:
(1) Disposition of city-owned land.
(2) Preliminary subdivision, planned unit developments, cluster applications, and other zoning issues.
(3) Requests for zoning changes.
(e) Other responsibilities. The commission shall perform other duties and tasks as requested by the city council or city manager.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested By: Councilman Faria
A motion to approve the Ordinance for final passage is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
B. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION”
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 with Councilwoman
SECTION I. Division 11 entitled “Senior Citizens’ Advisory Board” of Article III entitled “Boards, Committees, Commissions” of Chapter 2 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Administration” is amended to read as follows:
DIVISION 11. SENIOR AND DISABLED CITIZENS' ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE
Sec. 2-196. Creation.
There is hereby created the senior and disabled citizens' advisory board committee. The board committee shall consist of 34 17 members including the chair. There shall be no upper or lower limit on the ages of persons who can serve on the board. The membership of the board shall be limited to residents at or over the age of sixty-five (65) years old at the time of their appointment or to residents with a disability. A quorum shall consist of a majority of appointed voting members.
Sec. 2-197. Appointment and terms.
Members shall serve for three-year terms, provided that the first members shall be appointed as follows: 15 for three-year terms, 11 for two-year terms, and eight for one-year terms. The four members of the city council who are elected by ward shall each appoint three qualified electors of the city from their ward to the senior citizens' advisory board, one who shall be a senior citizen and one who shall be a nonsenior citizen and at least one who does not reside in any of the facilities listed below; the remaining at-large member of the city council shall appoint three qualified electors of the city to the senior citizens' advisory board, one who shall be a senior citizen and one who shall be a nonsenior citizen and at least one who does not reside in any of the facilities listed below. Such appointments shall be for an initial term of three years. The residents of each of the following facilities shall by majority vote appoint a qualified elector of the city from each of the following elderly housing facilities: City View Manor, Goldsmith Manor, Harbor View, United Methodist Retirement Center, Taunton Plaza, Rumford Towers I, Rumford Towers II, Redfern Grove Apartments, Riverside House, Parkway Towers, Cresent View Manor, such appointment shall be for an initial term of two years; five from the council of the elderly of the city; one from Self-Help, Inc.; one from East Bay Geriatric Center and one from the American Association of Retired Persons. Such appointments shall be for an initial term of one year.
(a) Each member of the city council shall appoint, with council approval, from among their electors, two (2) members to serve for a term of two years, commencing the first day of March of each odd numbered year and ending the last day of February two years hence; of these two appointments each, one shall be a senior citizen and the other shall be a disabled citizen. Notwithstanding the normal terms of office, council appointments made in 2018 shall expire on February 28th, 2021.
(b) Effective the first day of March, 2020, the mayor shall appoint five (5) members, of which one must be from each ward of the city, for a term of two years commencing the first day of March of each even numbered year and ending the last day of February two years hence; of the five appointments three shall be senior citizens and two shall be disabled citizens.
(c) The two resident members of the housing authority commission shall serve as ex-officio voting members of the committee for the duration of their term on the housing authority. The housing authority members shall be allowed to serve even if they do not meet the definition of senior or disabled citizen.
(d) The chief executive officer of the city or a designee of the chief executive officer and the director of the senior center shall serve as ex-officio non-voting members and a member of the council shall be designated by the council to serve as an ad-hoc non-voting member.
(e) Notwithstanding the normal terms and appointments, each member of the city council, with council approval, shall appoint a third member in March of 2018 who shall serve until the last day of February 2020.
Sec. 2-198. Duties.
(a) The senior and disabled citizens' advisory board committee shall annually elect from among its members a chair, vice-chair and secretary for one year. The board shall study and recommend voluntary programs for senior citizens to protect themselves from going unnoticed in the event of a serious health problem, shall recommend programs for nutritional needs, shall recommend programs for social needs, and shall recommend such other programs as may in the judgement of the board be necessary or helpful to senior citizens.
(1) The chair shall preside over meetings of the committee, the vice-chair shall preside in the absence of the chair and in the case of the absence of both the chair and the vice-chair, the body shall elect an acting chair.
(2) The secretary shall maintain all records of the proceedings of the committee and make them accessible to officials and the public.
(3) The committee may set by-laws and rules of procedure for its own operation in compliance with this ordinance.
(b) The committee shall study and recommend voluntary programs for senior and disabled citizens to protect themselves from going unnoticed in the event of a serious health problem, shall recommend programs for nutritional needs, shall recommend programs for social needs, shall recommend ways that city government may be more responsive to senior and disabled needs and shall recommend such other programs as may in the judgement of the committee be necessary or helpful to senior and disabled citizens.
(b) (c) The senior and disabled citizens' advisory board committee shall also study and make recommendations to the mayor and city council regarding the need for and the feasibility of a citywide programs and offerings of the senior center to provide a centralized location for senior services.
(c) (d) The senior and disabled citizens' advisory board committee shall monitor federal and state programs for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities including any providing funds for senior and disabled citizen projects and the funding formulas established therefor; and shall keep the mayor and city council apprised of such programs as necessary. The senior and disabled citizens' advisory board committee may not interfere in any way with the administration of such programs or any other senior or disabled citizen programs administered by any other local, state of federal agency.
(e) The committee shall study, recommend and communicate ways that seniors and individuals with disabilities can stay active in the community.
(f) The committee shall study and survey the responsiveness and service level of the senior and disabled help line and other city aides to seniors and the disabled. Such results shall be reported to the mayor and city council.
(g) The committee shall work with senior center staff, information technology staff, city clerk’s office and other city staff and outside programs as required to reach out and communicate to the senior and disabled communities regarding resources available to seniors and the disabled. Communication methods include, but are not limited to; information via social media, the city webpage, community bulletin boards, print and other media. City staff shall render all reasonable assistance for this purpose.
Sec. 2-199. Senior citizens and disabled citizens.
The board shall make its own definition of a senior citizen, and may make different definitions for different recommended programs.
(a) The committee shall recognize anyone sixty-five years of age or older as a senior citizen. However the committee may set other target age ranges for recommended programs as it deems prudent.
(b) The committee shall recognize anyone as having a disability who shall meet the definition of disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sec. 2-200. Action.
Programs recommended by the senior and disabled citizens' advisory board may be put into action by the board, upon approval by the city council mayor, by use of volunteers and donations. Programs requiring staff and expenditures of funds shall be put into effect if they are authorized by the mayor and city council.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Councilman Faria
A motion to approve the Ordinance for final passage is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A. City Managers Report (by Acting City Manager Malcolm Moore )
1. Request for Approval of Agreement between City of East Providence the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local Number 569.
Acting City Manager Moore states this is a very good contract. It is for 5 years. He thanks all involved in the negotiation process, the police, city negotiation committee, the fiscal advisor and Tim Chapman and Chief Parella. He adds that normally if it is a good contract most participants come away a little disappointed. It was a hard sell to the union and Mr. Luba thought it left some things on the table.
Mr. Luba states they were able to offer the 5 year contract just like fire because the city’s pension fell below the 50% baseline. The pay raises are at 2 percent each year which is pretty much in the ball park for recent police contracts across the state and may even be on the low side. The city gained an extra percent into the pension fund or retirees. Health concessions were made on both sides and neither side completely happy. It’s a good contract.
Councilman Botelho states they all appreciate the information provided from this administration regarding this contract and having the ability to compare to other communities where they stand and he thinks when they consider they have one of the premium police departments in RI moving forward with this contract it will serve them well.
Assistant Mayor Britto states they had a full blown discussion in executive session and it appeared all were in favor and in full support as well.
Councilman Faria agrees and in discussions with City Manager Tim Chapman and also with Acting City Manager Moore over the course of last 5 days he is satisfied and thanks all the parties for all their hard work.
A motion to Approve is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
2. Fleet Fuel Tank Replacement Project
Acting City Manager Moore reports this is the bid to remove the underground tanks as required by DEM. It is a budgeted item in the capital budget and the estimated cost is $417,000. The city received 4 bids and the low bid was $380,000. They are recommending going with the low bidder and it really works out well for the city and saves $70,000.
A motion to Approve is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
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 Councilman Britto and seconded by Councilman Botelho 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 – Absent, Councilwoman Sousa – Absent, Mayor Briden – Aye, the motion is approved 3-0.
EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE
CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2018; 6:45 P.M.; ROOM 101
====================================================================
NEW CLAIMS
ALLSTATE INSURANCE $6,505.70
(INS: EDWARD KOLLETTE)
RM No. 17-101, Claim No. 18-028
Claim for property damage to insured’s parked vehicle sustained as a result of an accident with a City sander. Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
TIMOTHY J. CONLEY $108.36
RM No. 18-039, Claim No. 18-025
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Bullocks Point Avenue.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $108.36.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
JOHN CUNNINGHAM $372.00
RM No. 18-032, Claim No. 18-020
Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of a sewer backup due to roots from a City tree. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $372.00.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
JEAN GORDON $229.00
RM No. 17-108, Claim No. 18-023
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: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $229.00.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
ROBERT KENNEDY $119.15
RM No. 18-037, Claim No. 18-022
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Bullocks Point Avenue.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $119.15.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
PIERCE FIELD VANDALISM $2,023.90
RM No. 17-073
Discussion of claim for damages to Pierce Field.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Defer the matter.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
PROGRESSIVE CASUALTY INS. CO. $3935.73
(INS: ERIC AUGER)
RM No. 16-011, Claim No. 18-030
Claim for property damage to insured’s vehicle sustained as a result of an accident with a City snow plow. Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
DONNA M. REMINGTON $182.97
RM No. 18-038, Claim No. 18-024
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Roger Williams Avenue.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $182.97.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
KATHLEEN A. SANTOS $568.36
RM No. 18-031, Claim No. 18-018
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on South Broadway.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $145.09.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS
OLGA BOYD-BRITES $47.69
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 36 Brayton Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $47.69.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
KRISTIN CADORET $240.73
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 45 Brightridge 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 $240.73.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
RONALD E. McGREEN $81.89
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 1086 Willett Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $81.89.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
ELAINE T. MEDEIROS $48.17
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 20 Fairbanks 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 $48.17.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | √ | |
A motion is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Britto to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. and reconvene in open session. Upon a roll call vote, the motion is approved 3-0.
A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
C. Report of School Committee Liaison
There is no report.
D. Resolutions
1. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING
A motion to dispense with the reading of the resolution is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa absent.
WHEREAS, Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea has once again submitted legislation to be introduced to formalize the early voting process in the State of Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, at least 34 states, plus the District of Columbia provide citizens with an opportunity to vote early and in person without an excuse and nationally 46% of voters cast their ballots in advance of Election Day in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Rhode Island saw more than 15,000 voters cast emergency mail ballots during the 20-day period prior to Election Day in 2016 up from less than 6,000 in 2012 during the same period; and
WHEREAS, the significant increase in mail and emergency mail ballots has created administrative and logistical challenges for local and state election officials; and
WHEREAS, in-person early voting will ease some of the stresses on the voting system on Election Day and provides an opportunity for early identification and correction of registration errors; and
WHEREAS, this legislation will make it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote by formalizing a 20-day early voting period before a primary and general election, including the weekend before a primary and election; and
WHEREAS, 2018 H-7501 and 2018 S-2419 have been introduced in the General Assembly and would make voting more accessible for those who wish to vote by formalizing the early voting process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of East Providence hereby endorses and urges passage by the General Assembly of House Bill 2018 H-7501 and Senate Bill 2018 S-2419 entitled “AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS – CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk send a copy of this Resolution to the sponsors of H-7501 and S-2419 as well as the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, the President of the Rhode Island Senate, the Majority Leaders of the House and Senate, and the Senators and Representatives from the City of East Providence.
Requested by: Mayor Briden, Assistant Mayor Britto and Councilman Faria
Rob Rock, 404 Dover Avenue (02914) the Director of Elections for the Secretary of State is present to speak.
Mr. Rock notes this will create more confidence in the early voting process by having on site early voting. The ballots will be kept in the locked voter box until election night and transferred in the already existing way with all the other ballots cast that day. It formalizes a process of early voting which is already taking place right now but which is paper intensive. The person will still show their ID and vote on the ballot which will be scanned into the voting machine and locked in the voting machine. This provides more opportunity for and more options for voting early which is something that 34 states are already doing. In 2012, in RI, there were 5600 mail ballots in 2015 there were 15000 mail ballots. He notes that Secretary of State Gorbea has a cyber security report on their website done last week and there is no worry with hacking this system.
A motion to approve the Resolution is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote is it unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to Adjourn at 9:53PM is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Sousa Absent.
Approved By Council: May 1, 2018
Attest: _______________
City Clerk