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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES–REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
Council May Call Executive Session in Room 101
OPEN SESSION: 7:00 P.M
145 TAUNTON AVENUE – CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
City Council:
Council President, Robert Britto – Ward 1
Council Vice-President: Bob Rodericks – At Large
Councilwoman Anna Sousa – Ward 2
Councilman Nate Cahoon – Ward 3
Councilman Ricardo Mourato – Ward 4
I. CALL TO ORDER
Council President Britto called the meeting 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), §42-46-5 (a) (5), § 42-46-5 (a) (1)
a) SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS – FOR VOTE
1. Michael Burns
2. Daniel Clayman
3. Gary Turner
4. Ronald Warr
III. OPEN SESSION
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Riverside Little League team led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of Silence for Greg Beardsley, Firefighter with the East Providence Fire Department
Motion to seal the minutes from Executive Session by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by
Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously.
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) Cancelation/Abatements (Assessor) – FOR VOTE
| 2018 | $891.07 |
| 2019 | $176,106.53 |
| TOTALS | $176,997.60 |
Motion to table for additional information made by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes unanimously.
Citations were mentioned to go next before Item VI by Council Vice President Rodericks.
VI. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING – FOR VOTE
1. Application for Hawker License
Name of Applicant: Roxanne Gomes
Applicant present. Additional information was needed from the previous meeting. Ms. Gomes makes and sells her own jewelry. All paperwork is in, according to City Clerk, Samantha Burnett
Motion to approve made by: Councilman Cahoon
Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
2. Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage, Class F-1
Name of Applicant: Kate Terrien
Date: September 28, 2019
Event: Saddlebags for Soldiers
Location: Brightridge Club
Applicant was present. Non-profit. Items collected and sent to soldiers. Focus on veterans. Motion made by: Council Vice President Rodericks
Seconded by: Councilman Cahoon
Motion passes unanimously.
3. Application for One Day Entertainment License
Name of Applicant: Kate Terrien
Date: September 28, 2019 1:00-5:00 P.M.
Event: Saddlebags for Soldiers
Location: Brightridge Club
Applicant was present. Non-profit. Items collected and sent to soldiers. Focus on veterans. Motion made by: Council Vice President Rodericks
Seconded by: Councilman Cahoon
Motion passes unanimously.
4. Application for License to Solicit (One Year)
Christopher A. Cottrell
Trinity Solar
Applicant was present. Councilman Mourato wanted to know of a time frame and will all names will be submitted to who is going out to solicit. Mr. Cottrell explained that he was only filing for himself and did not know of any other solicitors from the company.
Solicitor Marcello, at the request of Councilman Mourato, cited the city code. Councilman Cahoon requested Mr. Cottrell get acquainted with our ordinances before going out. Council President mentioned to be mindful when soliciting of people’s privacy and their property. Mr. Cottrell did leave business cards for the Council to contact him.
Council Vice President Rodericks made the motion to approve. Council Cahoon seconded the motion.
Motion passes unanimously.
5. Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage, Class F-1
Name of Applicant: Susan Costa
Date: September 29, 2019
Event: Tailgate Party
Location: EP Elks Lodge, 60 Berkeley Street 02914
Ms. Costa had a scheduling conflict and was unable to attend. City Clerk Burnett responded to Council President’s inquiry if all paperwork was in and the response was yes. Council Vice President had a clarifying question regarding Ms. Costa and her relationship with the Elks. City Clerk Burnett stated that she is the person who always coordinates these events.
Council Vice President Rodericks made a motion to approve. Councilwoman Sousa seconded the motion.
Motion passes unanimously.
6. Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage, Class F
Name of Applicant: Reverend David E. Green
Date: September 28, 2019
Event: Talent Show and Dinner
Location: St. Martha’s Church, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue 02914
Reverend Green was not present. Council President Britto did state that he is a member of St. Martha’s with any and all events they have had. Councilwoman Sousa made a motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon.
Motion passes unanimously.
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
a) Riverside Renaissance Movement and Roger Williams University Center for Workforce & Professional Development Partnership
Presented by: K. Eric Cook and Jason Rafferty
Mr. Cook and Mr. Rafferty were both present, alongside with representatives from Roger William University. This was a presentation of bringing various classroom like programs to the local community.
b) East Providence School Department Budget Presentation for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year
Presented by: Superintendent Kathryn Crowley and Finance Director, Craig Enos
Superintended Crowley addressed the Council.
Included in the report is all staff and salaries and benefits for the coming year. This was presented to the School Committee as 80% of their total budget. The second half of the budget, see what they used this year, and generate new line items as needed
The budget presented, which was also presented to the mayor a week before.
Council President recognized Superintendent Crowley as Rhode Island’s Superintendent of the Year.
Mr. Enos addressed the Council in regards to requesting $50,124,777 municipal appropriations. It is an increase of $2,391,033 over the fiscal year 2019 appropriation. In comparison the previous year was $2,018,022. This is an increase of $282,311.
Budget goals are honoring our agreements with the collective bargaining agreements. For curricula, all has been updated and will be on a cycle for review. Electrical program at the CTC and a Pre-K program at Oldham were new this year.
For the increase they were requesting $2,029,270 for contractual salary and benefit obligations. This leaves $362,033 towards programming and the needs of the students.
Agreement for one year contract extension with Ocean State Transit at no cost to them. Extended over $200,000 in unbudgeted transportation costs related to students in the care of DCYF this year.
This will be the third year that they have a district technology team. Staff was focused on streamlining technology this last year. Upgrading student devices. Updatng 50 classes with flat panel displays to replace the failing smart boards.
Last school year there were 30 out of school placements that is out of district.
There were up to 8 out of district with IEPs that cost about $350,000 just for education costs for these students and that does not count transportation costs.
All of the larger projects are reimbursable at a rate of 54.5% through the Department of Education. Fire Life Safety at Silver Spring, Orlo and Kent Heights completed. LED projects were completed at most of the elementary schools. Completed a remodel of the exteriors sidewalks and parking lot at Silver Spring. Partial roof replacement at Kent Heights Full roof at Riverside School. The remainder of the presentation included Capital Project Plan as well.
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.
1. Notarized Read In Letter from Wendy Caputo, read by City Clerk Samantha Burnet. This letter was addressed to Counciman Mourato. This was in regards to the Personnel Hearing Board and her response to Director of Personnel, Mr. Victor Santos.
VIII. CITATIONS
1. Caesar “Sam” Monteiro
Presented by: Council President Britto
Council President Britto recognized Mr. Monterio and will present the award to him personally.
2. The 2019 Riverside Little League Minors Champion All-Stars
Presented by: Council Vice President Rodericks
Council Vice President recognized the team for the minor championship.
IX. APPOINTMENTS – FOR VOTE
Traffic Control
Sean M Feeney
22 Lindy Avenue, 02915
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
This item was in conjunction to Item X (b) at the consent of Council. Mr. Feeney has gone through all of the training and met all criteria. Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to approve this appointment. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato.
Motion passes unanimously.
The Mayor’s office has been working on this for the last couple of months, but Councilwoman Sousa stated that the people who have been appointed are still not working and wondered what needed to be done in order for the Mayor’s office to expedite this scenario.
Solicitor Marcello stated that there are other concerns and are in the process of drafting the different tiers and qualification that are needed to gain a consistent policy.
Councilwoman Sousa did state that they are, and have been, things in place that allows these appointees to work.
Councilman Mourato stated for traffic control for civilians they have different uniforms and don’t carry firearms. Per charter, these retired police officers can carry firearms, and that they have to go through training annually.
Marc Furtado, through the Mayor’s office, stated that he believes this is an issue due to the Trust insuring these individuals.
Councilman Mourato made reference to the Peace Officer Statute 12-7-21 Section 19.
X. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
a) Discussion on Obtaining a City Council Solicitor
Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Mourato
Discussion by Council Vice President Rodericks started the discussion on having a dedicated Council Solicitor, and perhaps having a total of three solicitors with the change of the form of government. Currently the Solicitor is only budgeted for 18 hours a week between serving the City. Councilman Mourato stated that we have a need to have someone specifically serve and work on behalf of the Council, to assist with Council needs such as ordinances, resolutions and other legislative needs.
The Council discussed their options openly.
b) Traffic Control Appointment Discussion
Councilwoman Sousa
This was addressed under Item IX.
c) Preparation and Submission of Budget, East Providence City Charter, Section 5-3
Councilman Mourato
Discussion was had about arranging the dates so the legal and City Clerk can have
a sound filing schedule through the budget season.
d) Plan to repair sidewalks along Pawtucket Avenue in Ward 3
Councilman Cahoon
Director of DPW, Steve Coutu was present. He stated that there is a long history. Rhode Island has a Transportation Improvement Program. Pawtucket Avenue sidewalks has always been the top priority request for many years. The focus lately for the state has been the bridges, and the paving projects have been pushed back. He states it is a constant battle and the funding always is changing and shifting. Now with the 6-10 Connector, they are focusing on that and putting off the Pawtucket Avenue project even further out. Councilman Cahoon asked is it about a two year project? Mr. Coutu stated that sounds about right. Mr. Coutu stated there was a MOU presented that the City would fund the project, and then the DOT could reimburse the City. It went back and forth but did not move forward.
e) City Wide Paving Project Schedule
Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Cahoon
See Item d above for notes.
f) Traffic/Speeding throughout the Community
Council President Britto
Council President Britto addressed the real need for trying to enforce speeding, especially with school back in session. He is looking for ways to control the speeding in our city, whether it is speed bumps, speed cameras or rubber mats, as they have in Providence on Eddy Street.
g) Ordinance Pertaining to Section 2-9, entitled, “Powers” Item 7 of the Charter
Councilman Mourato and Councilwoman Sousa
Councilman Mourato proposed to have a draft ordinance for the next Council meeting for first passage to revise “Powers” that gives Council the power to request department heads to attend meetings when dealing with Council inquiry for legislative purposes
XI. ORDINANCES
1. FIRST PASSAGE – FOR VOTE
a) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, 1987, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”
Sponsored by: Councilman Cahoon
Ward 3 stop signs on Wanamoisett an Allerton that intersect with Bradford, creating a 4 way stop sign. Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.
Motion passes unanimously.
b) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” (Article 1)
Sponsored by: Council President Britto
Discussion amongst the Council and City Solicitor was had based on the first half of this ordinance. Due to the brevity of the ordinance, it had to be placed in two increments. Councilwoman Sousa added comments and concerns over the proposed ordinance regarding penalties and violations, tying the dog up and defining humane treatments. Council President Britto suggested if there was an option of “flagging” a dog owner in our systems. Councilwoman Sousa mentioned the disposition of animals section and that the City shouldn’t be involved in this practice and we should be focused on placement. She is not in favor of disposing of an animal because there is not enough room at the shelter.
Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa excluding 3-24 and 3-26 from the ordinance, and everything else remains the same as presented. Seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
1. Resolutions to Request Items through the Mayor’s Office – Solicitor Interpretation
Councilman Mourato
Councilman Mourato discussed 2-9 language that he feels the Council has a right through ordinance. Council was provided the Solicitor Interpretation.
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
a. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Mayoral Communications
Marc Furtado, of the Mayor’s office, was present to speak and address the Council.
a) National Grid Additional Roadwork – This was addressed previously in the meeting by DPW Director, Steve Coutu.
Councilwoman Sousa asked if there was additional information for Ward 2. Mr. Furtado said he wasn’t sure but will look into it.
b) 2019 Firefighter Recruitment-Firefigher/EMT positions available. Application period August 22-October 31st 2019 at noon. Requirements were shared with the public.
c) Letter from the Mayor to the Council on MOU agreement/ Response to Council’s Resolution for Special Election
Solicitor Marcello stated that how the City is moving ahead regarding the special election, dates and if anything changes what rescinding the resolution. Mr. Furtado was asking the Council their feeling of the revised MOU. Council Vice President Rodericks stated that he is not exactly in favor of having a special election and that it would only be used as a last resort.
Motion to extend the meeting 15 minutes by Councilman Cahoon.
Seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously.
2. City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello - Claims Committee Report
Solicitor Marcello gave his report based off the claims discussed in Executive Session.
XIV. RESOLUTIONS – FOR VOTE
1. RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ASSIST IN DIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF ABANDONED PIERS AND THE INDIA POINT RAILROAD BRIDGE WITHIN THE EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND WATERFRONT
Sponsored by: Council Vice President Rodericks
SEE ATTACHED FOR FULL RESOLUTION
Council Vice President Rodericks introduced the resolution to send a letter for help from the congressional delegation. He did receive unanimous support from the Waterfront Commission. He did receive over 60 responses through his Facebook posting in favor of this request.
Council Vice President Rodericks made the motion to approve the resolution. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO APPROVE THE CITY CLERK’S REQUEST OF EARNED TIME OFF
Sponsored by: Council President Britto, Council Vice President Rodericks, Councilwoman Sousa, Councilman Cahoon and Councilman Mourato
This item was tabled.
SEE ATTACHED FOR FULL RESOLUTION
XV. Reconvene in Executive Session (if necessary) to Complete Items Under Section II, Executive Session
This was not exercised.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT - FOR VOTE
Councilman Cahoon made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilwoman Sousa seconded the motion.
Motion passes unanimously. Meeting is adjourned.
If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett at 401.435.7596