CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.

Council May Call Executive Session in Room 101

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 and requested a roll call of the Council. Councilman Cahoon was absent for roll call, but was available for Executive Session.

 

Member	Present	Absent
Cahoon		x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	x
Sousa	x
Britto	x

 

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)

The Council voted to go into Executive Session. The vote passed unanimously, 4-0, with Councilman Cahoon absent for the vote.

 

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

 

a)   Claims

1.   Eduardo Capelo

 

b)   Water and Sewer Abatements

1.   Roxanne DeBritto

 

II.      OPEN SESSION

 

III.     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council President Britto request Ms. Candy Seel to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

IV.     SEALING THE MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Councilman Cahoon made the motion to seal the minutes from Executive Session.

Councilwoman Sousa seconded the motion.

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

VI.     CONSENT CALENDAR

 

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 the 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)   TAX ABATEMENTS

 

YEAR	AMOUNT
2013	$180.86
2014	$89.79
2015	$94.05
2016	$510.52
2017	$475.77
2018	$486.61
2019	$30,852.66
TOTAL:	$32,690.26

 

b)   COUNCIL JOURNALS

January 21, 2020 – Regular and Executive Sessions

 

c)   EVENTS

1.   2020 Coyote 5K Event - Crescent Park Preservation Association, May 16, 2020 - 700 Bullocks Point

2.   The Crazy Clam 5k – Ocean State Multi Sport, March 22, 2020 – East Providence Yacht Club

 

Councilman Cahoon voted to approve the Consent Calendar.

Councilwoman Sousa seconded the motion.

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

 

VII.    LICENSING APPROVALS

a)   Class A – Liquor License

1.   Request for Transfer

Clift Liquors, LLC transfer to Lintlop, LLC DBA: Clift Liquors

 

Continued to a date certain, February 18, 2020.

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

b)   Holiday Sales License

1.   Lintlop, LLC DBA: Clift Liquors

 

Continued to a date certain, February 18, 2020.

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

2.   Crossfit Phillipsdale

Phillip Carol was present to represent his business. The address is 310 Bourne Avenue, Rumford 02916.

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa.

Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks.

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

VIII.   COMMUNICATIONS

1.   Coyote 5K to Benefit, “Project Depot” at the Crescent Park Carousel

-Tracy Johnson, Carousel Manager

Ms. Johnson was available to speak briefly about the Carousel event.

 

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.   Lucy Pereira: spoke to change the operating times for gyms.

2.   Steven Nowrocki: spoke in favor of Grassy Plains and not have organized sports

3.   PJ Doppke: spoke regarding Grassy Plains

4.   DJ Michalik: spoke regarding Grassy Plains

5.   Rita Falguerra: spoke regarding Grassy Plains

6.   Denise Javey: spoke regarding Grassy Plains

7.   Mike Resendes: spoke regarding Grassy Plains

8.   Steve Donahue: spoke regarding Grassy Plains

 

IX.     APPOINTMENTS

 

Assistant Solicitor, Dylan Conley, issued his legal opinion that by the way of the East Providence City Charter these appointments are Mayoral appointments. The City Clerk was instructed by the Council to send these applications to the Mayor’s office for his consideration. No vote was taken.

 

a)   Carousel Commission: Maxwell Brandle

Regular Member

Term Appointment: 02/05/2020-02/04/2023

Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa

 

b)   Carousel Commission: Lumena Rodriguez

Alternate Member to Regular Member

Term Appointment: 02/05/2020-02/04/2023

Sponsored by: Councilman Mourato

 

X.      COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

 

a)   East Providence High School Minority Oversight Committee Report, Discussion and Update

Council President Britto

Council President gave an update on the progress of the committee. The next meeting is scheduled on February 19, 2020 in Conference Room A at City Hall. Start of meeting is 6:00 p.m.

 

b)   Speed Cameras Community Meeting Announcement: February 19, 2020 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers

Council President Britto

This meeting will actually take place on February 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The City Clerk was instructed to advertise this in the local papers, the bulletin board at City Hall, the City Facebook page and website by the Council President.

 

c)   Grassy Plains Park Community Meeting (January 23, 2020) Update and Discussion

Councilman Mourato

Councilman Mourato gave an update on the meeting, perspective and progress. This item was taken out of context by unanimous consent of the Council and placed after the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

 

d)   Carousel Approved Capital Budget Items Update

Councilman Mourato

Councilman Mourato provided an update on the three projects of the Carousel: stabilization, new building for Blount Clam Shack and ice rink.

 

e)   East Providence Women’s History Month (March 4, 2020) Announcement

Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa made the announcement of the event that will take place in the Council Chambers from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The theme is, “Determined to Rise”. More details to come at future meetings.

 

f)    Community Meeting Announcement: February 26, 2020 6:00 p.m. at Weaver Library

Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa made the announcement that this event will be held on Tuesday, February 25^th and all are welcomed. Councilwoman Sousa mentioned speeding, trash, rodents, and other community concerns.

 

g)   Revisions of Business Licensing Policy, Ordinances and Procedures Discussion

Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa placed this on the docket to talk about businesses and the various licensees they can take in the City. Currently there are no set policies and procedures for maintaining these licenses. She would also like to how to proceed with violations and create regulations to ensure businesses are operating in alignment with ordinances, Charter and state regulations.

Assistant City Solicitor Conley shared perspective on show cause hearings, quasi judicial powers within the Council and other related items.

 

XI.     CONTINUED BUSINESS

 

a)   Discussion: Sewer Fees and Water Usage in Restaurants (Deduct Meters)

Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President will be meeting with the Director of Public Works Director and Policy Director, Marc Furtado tomorrow about this issue. He has requested to defer to another meeting.

 

XII.    NEW BUSINESS

 

a)   Reports of Other City Officials

 

1.   Dylan Conley, Assistant City Solicitor – Claims Committee Report

Council Vote:

Two unanimous votes made in Executive Session.

 

2.   East Providence Fire Department

Council Vote:

TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE STRYKER EMERGENCY CARE'S CONTRACT FOR HEART MONITOR/DEFIBRILLATORS AND AED'S IN THE AMOUNT OF $421,319.90

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

Move for unanimous consent for items 2, 3 and 4 by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Councilman Cahoon. No role call made but unanimous consent was met.

Council Vice President Rodericks asked for clarification of if this amount includes the $80,172 previously approved by the Council.

Councilman Cahoon asked for clarification regarding contract language. Assistant Solicitor Conley stated that he will look into it and confirm.

Council Vice President Rodericks moved to approve. Councilwoman Sousa seconded the motion. Motion passes unanimously. 

 

3.   East Providence Fire Department

Council Vote:

TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE MOTOROLA INC.'S CONTRACT FOR PORTABLE AND MOBILE RADIOS IN THE AMOUNT OF $452,296.06

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

Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously.

 

4.   Department of Public Works – Director, Steve Coutu

Council Vote:

Handicap Parking Zone Request – 94 Vine Street, East Providence

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

No questions for the Director. Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Councilman Cahoon and Councilman Mourato seconded the motion.

Motion passes unanimously.

 

b)   Resolutions

 

1.   RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT ADDENDUM WITH CDM SMITH, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL WORK RELATED TO THE EMERGENCY INTERCONNECTION AND VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKWAY VAULT IMPROVEMENTS

SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRITTO

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

Director of Department of Public Works, Steve Coutu approached the Council to answer questions. The Council reviewed the contract with Mr. Coutu. Some amendments were suggested by the Council: 1.1.5 to include the requirements for the engineer to provide a cost estimate with any recommended change order.

Terms and Conditions, number 8: provision to term for convenience and not just cause. 

Motion to approve based on these revisions made by Councilman Cahoon. Council Vice President Rodericks seconded the motion.

 

2.   RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT OVER A PORTION OF LAND OWNED BY THE CITY AT ROSE LARISA MEMORIAL PARK

SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT RODERICKS

This was a request from the Nature Conservancy to preserve our Waterfront and that area. They needed permission from the City to be on city land. All permits and other expenses will be absorbed by the Nature Conservancy.

Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa

Councilman Cahoon requested that the city keep the people updated when this begins.

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

 

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

 

c)   Introduction of Ordinances – FIRST PASSAGE

 

1.   ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

JUVENILE HEARING BOARD (SEC. 2-181 COMPOSITION OF BOARD)

SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT RODERICKS

Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/04/2019 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

“Appointments made in October” was omitted. This is Mayoral appointment.

Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

After the vote, Councilman Cahoon instructed the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett to bring attention to the Mayor’s office regarding the applicants for this board.

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

 

2.   ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

NO PARKING ZONE - PAWTUCKET AVENUE (SEC. 18-307)

SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT RODERICKS

Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/04/2019 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

Council Vice President Rodericks mentioned this is near the EBCAP building. They are looking for some relief in this busy and congested area.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon.

Councilman Mourato asked how many parking spots this will effect. Director of Public Works, Steve Coutu answered saying one would be affected.

Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

3.   ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

NO PARKING ZONE - BRUNSWICK STREET/NORTH COUNTY STREET (SEC. 18-307)

SPONSORED BY: COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA

Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/04/2019 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

Councilwoman Sousa introduced this ordinance, stating it is just a small section of the street to create a safer area.

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa

Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

4.   ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

CHAPTER 2, (ADDING) ARTICLE VII. BUDGET ORDINANCE

SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN CAHOON, COUNCILMAN MOURATO AND COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA

Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/04/2019 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

Councilman Mourato introduced this item. There was discussion with the Council to ensure all Council needs and concerns were addressed.

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to approve first passage

Councilman Cahoon seconded the motion

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

5.   ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

SEC. 8-5 CLOSING HOURS FOR BUSINESSES TO ALLOW EXTENDED HOURS FROM 1 A.M. UNTIL 6 A.M. WITH COUNCIL APPROVAL

SPONSORED BY: COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA

Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/04/2019 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

Councilwoman Sousa introduced the ordinance, stating that this ordinance will give the Council discretionary approval regarding extended hours for various types of businesses in the City.

Discussion was had regarding safety, the serving of alcohol, entertainment of the city by the Council and clarification offered by Assistant Solicitor Dylan Conley.

Council President Britto addressed concerns of possible future scenarios with extended hours.

Councilman Cahoon mentioned that having the six month probationary period will allow the Council see what will really happen when they allow the extended hours.

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa

Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon

Motion passes, 4-1.

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

 

XIII.   RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)

This item was not necessary.

 

XIV.  ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa

Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

Meeting adjourned.

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

 

 

 

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