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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020
CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.
Council May Call Executive Session in Room 101
OPEN SESSION TO BEGIN AT 7:30 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 and requested a roll call vote. All Councilors were present for the exception of Councilman Cahoon, who arrived later during Executive Session.
II. INVOCATION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws §42-46-5 (a) 2
Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to invoke Executive Session. Councilman Mourato seconded the motion.
Motion passes 4-0, with Councilman Cahoon absent for the vote.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
a) REVIEW, DISCUSSION AND VOTE:
PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE AND INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF POLICE OFFICERS LOCAL 569 REGARDING ARTICLE III, SEC. 3.04, “ENTITLED PATROL DIVISION PLATOON SYSTEM WORK HOURS”
b) Claims
1. ANA CABECINHA
2. JOHN MONIZ
3. AMY O’NEILL
4. AUDREY J. WASSERMAN
c) Water and Sewer Abatements
1. MARIA FERREIRA
2. WILLIAM LUNNIE
3. KENNY MEDEIROS
III. OPEN SESSION
Council Vice President Rodericks requested a moment of silence in honor and in the passing of Townie Great, William Stringfellow.
Council President Britto announced Open Session and requested a roll call by the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett.
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Baliff, Joesph Connors.
V. MOTION TO SEAL THE MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to seal the minutes from Executive Session. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
VI. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
a) Joseph Connors, Municipal Court Baliff
-Council Vice President Rodericks
Congressman David Cicilline provided a citation and recognition to Mr. Connors.
Senator Whitehouse provided a citation and was presented by City Clerk, Samantha Burnett.
Governor Gina Raimondo provided a proclamation and was presented by City Clerk, Samantha Burnett.
Senator Valerie Lawson provided a resolution to Mr. Connors for his retirement.
Representatives Katherine Kazarian provided a citation on behalf of the entire House of Representatives for Mr. Connors.
Mayor Roberto DaSilva presented a resolution stating that, February 18th, “Joey Connors Day” and presented Mr. Connors a key to the City of East Providence.
Council President Robert Britto presented a proclamation for Mr. Connors.
Deputy Chief Francesconi and Inspector Sroka presented Mr. Connors with a police jacket.
Fire Chief, Glenn Quick, presented Mr. Connors as an honorary firefighter for the City of East Providence.
Rhode Island Special Olympics – Dennis De Jesus, Chris Hopkins and Casey Rhodes presented to honor Mr. Connors’ achievements with Special Olympics.
VII. 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) COUNCIL JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 4, 2020 – REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
Motion to approve the consent calendar made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 5-0.
VIII. COUNCIL TO CONVENE AS BOARD OF LICENSES
a) SHOW CAUSE HEARING – CLIFT’S LIQUORS
191 WILLETT AVENUE, RIVERSIDE 02915
ALLEGED VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE 9-1.1
Representative was present. Owners agreed to admit the violation and to pay the violation of $250.00. Solicitor Marcello asked the City Clerk to please cite the case number that was referenced in the letter on February 10, 2020 as #19-4054-OF as evidence in this case.
Motion to accept by Councilman Cahoon. 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 | |
IX. LICENSE APPROVALS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
a) APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CLASS F-1
TYPE OF EVENT: MARDI GRAS
DATE OF EVENT: Saturday, February 29, 2020
APPLICANT: ST. BRENDAN’S PARISH – 55 TURNER AVENUE, RIVERSIDE 02915
REPRESENTATIVE FOR APPLICANT: RONALD WARR
Motion to approved by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
b) APPLICATION FOR DANCE/ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
TYPE OF ENTERTAINMENT: BANDS
APPLICANT: EAST PROVIDENCE YACHT CLUB/MIKEL PERRY
9 PIER ROAD, EAST PROVIDENCE 02914
Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
IX. LICENSES REQURING PUBLIC HEARING
a) CLASS A – LIQUOR LICENSE (PUBLIC HEARING)
REQUEST FOR TRANSFER
CLIFT LIQUORS, LLC TRANSFER TO LINTLOP, LLC DBA: CLIFT LIQUORS
Public Hearing offered. No one approached. Motion to approve the liquor transfer with the understanding that the fine be paid prior to the transfer of the license by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
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 exercised her right to speak regarding closing hours for businesses.
2. Dan Landry exercised his right to speak regarding speed cameras.
3. Dean Prodakakis exercised his right to speak regarding closing hours for businesses.
X. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
a) Discussion: Real Estate Development Update – Narragansett Plaza/Newport Avenue in Rumford
Council President Britto
Council President Britto stated that both himself and Council Vice President Rodericks met with the developer regarding the eight acres of land for mixed use. Community meeting at February 29th at Uncle Tony’s in which they will share their rendering of the development and asking for input from the residents.
b) Announcement: Charitable Donations to Whiteknact Elementary PTA
Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa made the announcement of the donations made by Waterfront Productions to Project Playground with a life sized check in the amount of: $750.00
Katie Spaziano was the representative from Waterfront Productions.
c) Community Meeting Announcement at Weaver Library
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
6:00 p.m.
Councilwoman Sousa
d) Event Announcement: International Women’s History Month Event at City Hall –Wednesday, March 4, 2020
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa made the announcement for the event being held at City Hall. This year is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Guest speaker is Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. Public welcome. Resolution also announced.
e) Event Announcement: Carousel Dinner Fundraiser – Brightridge Club
Saturday, February 29, 2020
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Councilman Mourato
XI. NEW BUSINESS
a) Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report – Solicitor Michael J. Marcello
Solicitor Marcello shared his report from items from Executive Session.
2. Handicap Parking Spot Request – 264 Juniper Street, 02914
Director of Public Works, Steve Coutu
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
b) RESOLUTIONS
1. RESOLUTION DECLARING MARCH AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
IN THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
Full resolution on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
2. RESOLUTION CHANGING SCHOOL STATE AID
FROM BIANNUAL TO MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS
CO-SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRITTO AND COUNCILMAN CAHOON
Full resolution on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
Councilman Cahoon mentioned that the School Committee did pass a resolution to us to ask the City Council to pass this resolution.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
c) INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
1. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE
A) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS
CO-SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRITTO AND COUNCILMAN CAHOON.
Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
2. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND AND FINAL PASSAGE (PUBLIC HEARING)
A) ORDINANCE AMENDMENT:
JUVENILE HEARING BOARD (SEC. 2-181 COMPOSITION OF BOARD)
SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT RODERICKS
Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Councilwoman Sousa asked for clarification about ward representation. Council Vice President Rodericks mentioned that the Council would have the right to not approve appointments that would be retained. Councilman Cahoon asked if there was no interest in a certain ward, could we allow other people in different wards to have the opportunity to serve.
No one approached for Public Hearing.
Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
B) ORDINANCE AMENDMENT:
NO PARKING ZONE - PAWTUCKET AVENUE (SEC. 18-307)
SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT RODERICKS
Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri
No one approached for Public Hearing. Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
C) ORDINANCE AMENDMENT:
NO PARKING ZONE - BRUNSWICK STREET/NORTH COUNTY STREET (SEC. 18-307)
SPONSORED BY: COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA
Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri
Public Hearing offered. Pat Foley approached and addressed the Council.
Motion to approve 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 | |
D) ORDINANCE AMENDMENT:
CHAPTER 2 (ADDING) ARTICLE VII. BUDGET ORDINANCE
SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN CAHOON, COUNCILMAN MOURATO AND COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA
Full ordinance on Clerkbase, under 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri
Public Hearing offered. Policy Director, Marc Furtado made mention that this was not the amended one from first passage. Councilman Cahoon echoed this same concern. Solicitor Marcello stated that this will need to be re-advertised and introduced for second passage.
Motion to strike Section A made by Councilman Cahoon. Seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.
Motion to approve the ordinance as amended for first passage. 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 | |
E) ORDINANCE AMENDMENT: SECTION 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 02/18/2019 agenda:
https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri
Public Hearing offered. George Smith approached the podium to speak. Lucy Pereira approached the podium to speak. Dan Landry approached the podium to speak. Dean Perdakakis approached the podium to speak. Ritchie approached the podium to speak. No others approached the podium to speak and Public Comment was closed.
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 |
XII. RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Mention of adjourning in memory of Coach William Stringfellow by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0. Meeting adjourns.
| 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