I.          CALL TO ORDER

II.         INVOCATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION – FOR VOTE

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

A)     New Claims – FOR VOTE

B)     SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS – FOR VOTE

III.        OPEN SESSION

IV.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

V.         APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR –FOR VOTE

All items under, “Consent Calendar” are considered to be of a routine and noncontroversial nature by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council members so requests, in which event the item will be removed from said Consent Calendar and will be considered in its normal sequence in the docket.

A.      Council Journals – May 7, 2019.

2017 Council Journals have been filed with the Secretary of State

Councilman Cahoon made the motion to approve the consent calendar. Council Vice President Rodericks seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

VI.        LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING – FOR VOTE

a)   Application for Hawker License-90 Day

Keystone Novelties Dist, LLC

Location: 1235 Wampanoag Trail, 02915

(30x45 frame tent)

Michael Korsak

Melissa Korsak was present. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Councilman Mourato seconded the motion. Motion passes unanimously.

b)   Application for Hawker License-90 Day

Keystone Novelties Dist, LLC

Location: 40 Highland Avenue, 02914

(30x45 frame tent)

Michael Korsak

Melissa Korsak was present. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Councilman Mourato seconded the motion. Motion passes unanimously.

VII.       COMMUNICATIONS

a)      Mayor Communications

Appointment of Deputy Chief

The Honorable Mayor Roberto DaSilva

Marc Furtado, Mayoral Aide, makes the announcement of Deputy Chief Christopher Francesconi.

PUBLIC COMMENT

All persons wishing to make public comment shall sign a public comment sheet stating their name, address and the subject of their docket related item to speak on. This sheet shall be available on a desk at the entrance of the City Hall Chambers no later than forty five (45) minutes before the call to order of any regularly scheduled council meeting and shall be delivered by the City Clerk to the presiding officer no earlier than five (5) minutes before the call to order of the meeting. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes. The order of the speakers will be on a first come, first serve basis and the maximum time for public comment shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes per meeting.

Ken Goucher spoke regarding the food truck on Warren Avenue and the safety concerns he has with its placement.

VIII.      COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

a)   City Council/Mayor Charter Provisions and Legal Interpretation

(Councilman Cahoon)

Councilman Cahoon stated that he no longer needed for discussion based on previous information received. Council President Britto did open this item up for discussion for the Council. No other discussion was had.

b)   Department Heads Aid to Inquiry for Council Legislation (Charter Inquiry)

(Councilman Mourato)

Councilman Mourato stated that the department heads that were present was a great resource to have at these meetings. Councilman Mourato stated that he had a sewer abatement issue that would have been helpful to have a department head present in order to help answer questions, but there were not present tonight. Councilman Mourato and Council Vice President spoke of options regarding Charter changes. Solicitor Marcello did not have the Charter to reference at that moment. Councilman Mourato discussed the option of special election or wait until 2020 for the general election. Councilman Cahoon made mention of taking on strategic Charter amendments and referenced 2-9 of the Charter then reference 3.12, “Powers of the Mayor” and both points state something of two different bodies doing the same thing. Council President Britto inquired if the intent is to change all of the Charter, or just parts of it and if so, should the Charter Commission reconvene and if not, how do they proceed with this scenario. Solicitor Marcello did reference Section 13 of the Charter but stated he would need to look into it more. Councilman Mourato asked Solicitor Marcello to look into 13-16. Councilwoman Sousa mentioned that she is in favor of going back to find inconsistences in the Charter, and asking the original members first before asking for others should they reconvene.

c)   Constituent Concerns Regarding Public Traffic Safety, including sidewalk project and tree removals

(Councilwoman Sousa)

Councilwoman Sousa mentioned that she did have a meeting with the Mayor’s Office regarding street safety, including Six Corners, the lack to sidewalks around John and Taunton Avenue. She mentioned that this area isn’t lit well during the night. In 2017, she met with the City Manager and DOT regarding how to improve safety in this area. DOT was interested in possibly constructing a two way or a roundabout. She will continue to work with the Mayor and DOT. Councilman Mourato mentioned the faded stop signs could also be a public safety issue, especially at night.

d)   Chapter 8, Article VI: Solicitors Questions regarding applicability and enforcement

(Councilman Cahoon)

Councilman Cahoon asked if there is data reported or maintained in the Clerk’s office from the police department. City Clerk Burnett stated that she currently does not receive anything, but has spoken with Chief Nebus to incorporate a process moving forward. Councilman Mourato mentioned that in the municipality that he works offers a temporary permit to vendor’s who are out of the area. They do a quick background check. Council President Britto shared that if people don’t feel comfortable, the best thing to do is call the police.

e)   Bradley Hospital/Hasbro Children Hospital Quilt

(Council President Britto)

Council President Britto shared that this quilt was done by children to help express themselves with the stigmas associated with mental health. Through pictures and words it helps voice the effect it has on them, their families and loved ones. The state and Representative Kazarian have been working with Council President Britto’s sister, to recognize a Mental Health Awareness Month. The quilt will be on display in the Council Chambers for a limited time and invited the public to come and look at the messages listed.

f)    The Greater Rumford Bake Off Update

(Council President Britto)

Council President mentioned there were 47 contestants for adults and 13 contestants for children. Pictures will be on display at the next Council meeting. Also the opening of the Educational House occurred simultaneously at this event.

Winner was an Orange Creamscicle Cake for the adults and Magnificent Muffin for the children’s category. Among some of the judges were Council President Britto and Mayor DaSilva.

XI.        ORDINANCES

a)   FINAL PASSAGE AND PUBLIC HEARING

XII.       CONTINUED BUSINESS

a)   Sewer Abatement Ordinance and Rate Discussion 

(Councilman Mourato)

Councilman Mourato stated that before we have a sewer rate and abatement discussion he would like to know how much it would cost for the city to run its own water plant, Narragansett or Suez. Also, he wanted to know more answers regarding the Barrington financial obligation is accurate. Councilman Mourato addressed other municipalities’ sewer abatement policies and should this be considered in re-evaluating the city’s abatement process.  

XIII.      NEW BUSINESS

a.   REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1.   City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello - Claims Committee Report

New Claims and Sewer Charge Abatement Votes were disclosed from Executive Session.

XIV.     RESOLUTIONS

XV.      Reconvene in Executive Session (if necessary) to Complete Items Under Section II, Executive Session

No action needed on this item.

XVI.     ADJOURNMENT - FOR VOTE

Council President Rodericks made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Cahoon seconds the motion. Motion passes unanimously.

If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett at 401.435.7596.