CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES/JOURNAL-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 P.M.

145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONFERENCE ROOM A

 

RE-OPEN SESSION TO BE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION AT APPROXIMATELY 6:15 P.M.

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

 

City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello

City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett

 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be both in person and virtually,

through an application called, "Zoom".

 

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY, USE THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:

 

By phone:

Call the toll free number: 1-877-853-5247 (audio only) and enter the following information:

MEETING ID: 993-0796-0324

You will then be asked for the meeting passcode.

Enter the following passcode:

PASSCODE: 653929 (please note this is corrected)

 

By computer or smartphone (this is the audio and video option):

To participate visually (with audio) you will need to log into the following from your computer or smart

phone, go to: www.zoom.us

Enter the following information when prompted

MEETING ID: 993-0796-0324

You will then be asked for the meeting passcode. Enter the following passcode number: 653929

Once entered, you will be able to join the meeting. At the appropriate time for public comment the

moderator will allow you to provide comment at the meeting.

The meeting will also be available live on our city website, located at:

http://www.clerkbase.com/RI_EastProvidence_Live_CityCouncil.html

In addition, written public comment on any agenda item can be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2020 in the following delivery methods:

Email the City Clerk: sburnett@eastprovidenceri.gov

Mailed/dropped off at: City Hall, Attention: City Clerk, 145 Taunton Avenue - East Providence, Rhode Island 02914

 

I.       CALL TO ORDER – Council President Britto called the meeting to order.

II.      INVOCATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

Councilman Mourato made the motion to invoke Executive Session, seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks seconded the motion. The motion passes 4-0 with Councilman Cahoon absent for this vote.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

a.       Review of attorneys resumes and submission regarding eminent domain.

b.   New Claims

1.       Cheryl Mead

c.   Sewer Charge Abatements

1.       Amy Sinyei and Emanuel Rodrigues

2.       Jacob Sydney

3.       Donald Totten

4.       Eileen Wayland

III.     OPEN SESSION – Council President Britto called for open session to begin.

IV.    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council President Britto led the Pledge.

V.      MOTION TO SEAL MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to seal the minutes from Executive Session by Councilman Mourato, seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

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. Public comments must pertain to a docket item.

 No one expressed the desire to be heard via Zoom, written communication or in person.

VI.    LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

1.       APPLICATION FOR HOLIDAY LICENSE – UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 NEW ROAD, RUMFORD 02916

Motion to approved made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

2.       APPLICATION FOR ROLLER SKATING RINK LICENSE – UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 NEW ROAD, RUMFORD 02916

Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks, seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion pases 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

3.       APPLICATION FOR VIDEO GAMES LICENSE – UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 NEW ROAD, RUMFORD 02916

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

4.       APPLICATION FOR VICTUALING LICENSE – UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 NEW ROAD, RUMFORD 02916

Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

5.       APPLICATION FOR DANCE/ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE – UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 NEW ROAD, RUMFORD 02916

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

VII.   APPOINTMENTS

 David Aucoin of Plum Road - Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Board

Council Vice President Rodericks made the motion to approve this appointment to the Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Board, seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

VIII.  COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

1.       National Grid Procedure on Repair & Replacement Work – Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President Rodericks stated some concerns of homeowners regarding the National Grid and providing notice to homeowners of work that will be done. Also, mistreatment was expressed by homeowners to Vice President Rodericks. Director of Administration stated to forward these matters to their office. Councilman Cahoon added to the discussion saying he would like to know the notification process that National Grid has and if they could be informed, so constituents know as well. Councilwoman Sousa stated that in regards to the mistreatment, the homeowner can file a report with the PUC.

2.       Small Business License and Other Fee Relief During Pandemic-Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President Rodericks stated that the concern regarding the small businesses, mainly the restaurants and looking at what options the City can provide in regards to licensing fees, liquor fees, and other fees that can help them through this time. The City Solicitor stated that he can work with the City Clerk and come up with some possible options.

3.       Cancellation of Tree Lighting for 2020 due to COVID-19 – Council President Britto

Quick statement from Council President Britto regarding the tree lighting at Hoyt and Wilson, Center Road and Byron Avenue will not be happening due to the pandemic.

4.       Riverside Renaissance Virtual Tree Lighting in Ward 4 – Councilman Mourato

Councilman Mourato shared the virtual tree lighting, thanking the Voices of Christmas for the caroling, the Riverside Renaissance, Brian from Borealis Coffee and the Burnett family for the donating of the battery operated tree lights.

5.       Small Business Forum Discussion – Councilman Cahoon

Councilman Cahoon brought up Councilwoman Sousa’s idea to have a meeting regarding the small businesses in our community and listen to what they are experiencing, so they can get a better understanding of what they are going through. He would like to get something on the calendar soon. Council Vice President Rodericks agreed with Councilman Cahoon and voiced that we may not be seeing in person meetings for awhile, and to consider a Zoom meeting format.

6.       Sidewalk Improvement Project Status Update – Councilman Cahoon

Councilman Cahoon mentioned the previous approval of the $1 million dollar initiative to improve the sidewalks in the City. He was hoping to get a status update on this from the administrative. Director Gonsalves asked if DPW Director, Steve Coutu was on the meeting. Director Coutu was present. He did state that there is a plan and it will be a significant project. They want to start looking at sidewalks located around and from the schools and high pedestrian walkways, like Roger Williams Avenue, sections of Pawtucket Avenue. They will be having meetings with DOT engineers soon. The public was encouraged to use the Q Alert system to report any issues with the sidewalks. Councilwoman Sousa asked if there is a list of any streets that have been added to the list. Director Coutu stated that he does have a list, but with this amount of funding, he will be putting out a contract. Councilwoman Sousa mentioned a family who has some issues regarding bus access for their handicapped child who has to go to and from school every day and the lack of accessibility.

7.       Discussion and Vote for outside legal services regarding Marshall Property, formerly known as Metacomet Golf Club located at 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway – Councilman Mourato

Due to the RFP is out and there were four attorneys that submitted resumes. The deadline was tonight at 4:00 p.m. and just received the resumes prior to the Council meeting. Though he was ready to vote tonight, in respect to the other Councilmembers he would like them to look them over and have the time to call them and have any questions, they have the opportunity to have them answered. He proposed December 15, 2020 date to hold a special meeting that the City Clerk will be filed for a vote regarding the choosing of outside legal services. No vote was made.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

8.       Discussion and Vote on eminent domain appraisal for Marshall Property, formerly known as Metacomet Golf Club located at 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway – Councilman Mourato

This item was tabled at the desire of Councilman Mourato.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

IX.     NEW BUSINESS

a)   COMMUNICATIONS – OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

1.       Comprehensive Plan 2020-2040 Presentation by Horsley Witten

Presenter was Kristen Moravec. Presentation was captured via recorded video on the City of East Providence ClerkBase website.

2.       Auditor RFP Recommendation – Finance

This was in conjunction with Item #1 under Resolutions.

3.       Emergency Response Plan Study – DPW/Water Division

This is in conjunction with Item #2 under Resolutions.

4.       Approval of Executive Order 2020-050 – Extension of Municipal State of Emergency

Director of Napoleon Gonsalves was present for the Council. Motion to approve the extension made by Council Vice President Rodericks, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

b)   REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1.)  City Solicitor's Claims Report 

       Solicitor Michael J. Marcello

City Solicitor Michael J. Marcello issued his report, reflective and in respect to the Executive Session.

2.)  Monthly Business Licensing Status Report (Communication Only)

       City Clerk, Samantha Burnett

Communication item issued to Council.

3.) 2021 City Council Meeting Schedule

City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett solidified the 2021 City Council meeting schedule.

c)   RESOLUTIONS

Full resolutions on ClerkBase, under 12/08/2020 agenda: https://www.clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri

1.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH BLUMSHAPIRO FOR AUDITING SERVICES (COUNCILMAN CAHOON)

Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	xx
Britto

 

2.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR A COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (COUNCILMAN CAHOON)

Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

3.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY, INC. REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF ENERGY (COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRITTO)

Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks, seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

X.      RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)

Reconvene in Executive Session was deemed unnecessary.

XI.     ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Cahoon, seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 5-0.

Meeting 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 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.