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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
JOURNAL-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 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 – At the request of the Council President, the City Clerk conducted a roll call. All members for the exception of Councilman Cahoon were present during this time. Councilman Cahoon did join the meeting 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
Councilman Mourato made the motion to enter into Executive Session. Councilwoman Sousa 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) New Claims
1. Natasha Sorrentino
b) Sewer Charge Abatements
1. Matthew Pawlik
2. Daphne Phillips
III. OPEN SESSION
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
V. MOTION TO SEAL THE MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilman Cahoon makes the motion to seal the minutes from Executive Session. Councilman Mourato seconds the motion. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | 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.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
a) COUNCIL JOURNALS
FEBRUARY 18, 2020 – REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
b) “Run to Mama 5K” to benefit Brown Play School
4 Newman Avenue, Rumford
Date of Event: Sunday, May 17, 2020 – 9:00 A.M.
VII. LICENSE APPROVALS NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
a) APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CLASS F-1
TYPE OF EVENT: FESTIVAL – PIERCE MEMORIAL FIELD
DATE OF EVENT: July 10, 11th and 12, 2020
APPLICANT: EAST PROVIDENCE HERITAGE DAYS
REPRESENTATIVE FOR APPLICANT: ALBA CURTI
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
b) APPLICATION FOR CARNIVAL LICENSE
TYPE OF EVENT: FESTIVAL – PIERCE MEMORIAL FIELD
DATE OF EVENT: July 10, 11th and 12, 2020
APPLICANT: EAST PROVIDENCE HERITAGE DAYS
REPRESENTATIVE FOR APPLICANT: ALBA CURTI
Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
c) APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE – CLASS F
TYPE OF EVENT: DINNER – SACRED HEART CHURCH
DATE OF EVENT: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020
APPLICANT: MARIA A DUARTE/SACRED HEART CHURCH
REPRESENTATIVE FOR APPLICANT: MARIA A DUARTE
Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
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.
Resident, Joe Grilo exercised his right to speak in reference to the handicapped parking spot approval on Juniper Street.
X. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS, (COUNCIL APPROVAL NOT NEEDED-COMMUNICATION ONLY)
1. Mayor’s Council on Veteran’s Affairs – new members
a) George Luttge – Term start date:
b) William McMahon – Term start date:
c) Christopher Lange – Term start date:
e) Robert Winston – Term start date:
Policy Director, Marc Furtado addressed the Council informing them of updates, including increasing the members on this board from 11 to 13. These are all one year terms starting on February 24, 2020 and expiring on 2/23/2020.
XI. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Communication Regarding the State of Bristol County Water Authority/CDM Smith Pipeline Project
Letter submitted to the Council. Added for the record.
2. Bid Awards for Pierce Field Basketball Court Rehabilitation and Police Parking Lot Expansion
DPW Director, Steve Coutu addressed the Council regarding the bid awards for these projects. (Please refer to the resolutions for the final vote and decision by the City Council.)
XII. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
a) Update Regarding Results from the Weaver Library Community Meeting
(Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.)
Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa thanked the residents who attended, the police chief, the sergeant, Councilman Rodericks and Mourato. Concerns brought up had to do with trash and trash disposal, (including mattresses and small appliances). Discussed speeding, one way parking, lighting, pedestrian crosswalks and the Forbes Street landfill. Councilwoman Sousa will be holding more monthly meetings and will likely happen at the Weaver Library.
b) 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 announced the event and that March is Women’s History Event. Honorary Guest Speaker, Nellie Gorbea. Theme is, “Vigilant Women of the Vote”. Lunch provided and the public is welcomed to attend.
c) City Council Solicitor RFP (Request for Proposal) Discussion
Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa brought up the item from previous meetings about legal legislative representation. The City currently has a City Solicitor and an Assistant City Solicitor. She expressed that it is important to have someone dedicated to the Council and is neutral to the City. Councilman Cahoon mentioned that funds were allocated during budget season for the Council’s own legal services, it was his understanding that it would be Mr. Conley performing those services. His preference would be that Mr. Conley would do it simply because he understands the twists and tweaks over the last few years and state law. Council President Britto mentioned that he made the suggestion that we have legal counsel under our nose that we can utilize and tap into and feels comfortable having Mr. Conley represent the Council. Council Vice President mentioned that he did recall this discussion and that Assistant Solicitor Conley would represent them at Council Meetings and Solicitor Marcello would be general administration. Assistant Conley stated that as a part of their office both himself and Solicitor Marcello shall represent the Council. The Charter states that the Solicitors represent the Council and the Mayor. Councilman Mourato stated that he concurs with Councilwoman Sousa’s concerns and other points mentioned. He did mention that this sounds more like a Charter change. Councilwoman Sousa did conclude that this is not a personal issue, as she works very well with the legal team but the delayed communication due to other professional commitments is an issue.
d) Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank Clean Water and Drinking Water Bond Savings – Allocation of the $503,326.00 refund
Councilman Mourato
Councilman Mourato looked into clarifying how the refund will be utilized by reaching out to Paul Luba. Mr. Luba approached the Council stating that he spoke with the Infrastructure Bank Council, the fiscal advisor from Southwest, the auditors and finance director of Woonsocket.
The main rule is the refunding has to be spent in the Enterprise Fund for which generated it, (what the bond was for). How that breaks out $309,000 was for Water Fund and $194,000 was for Wastewater. The total amount must be split in this way.
Each of the finance directors had to sign an agreement with a clause that said it had to be spent and support of water projects. The wastewater fund had to be spent of wastewater projects. Those were the two main rules. The only thing is cannot do is issue a rebate to your water and wastewater users. Council President asked if it could be used to pay down the bond? Mr. Luba stated yes they could do that. Councilman Cahoon asked if we were to establish a Capital Improvement Plan within the Enterprise Fund, that would be an appropriate use of funds? Mr. Luba stated that we already kind of have something like that, but yes the City could do that.
e) Discussion: East Providence Resiliency
Council President Britto
Council President Britto is a part of a committee in Providence. They discuss resiliency in the City of Providence. What types of plans does the City have if they were hit by a bad storm or rising sea levels? Council President referenced flooded areas and wanted to know that in the event of a storm surge, does the City have a plan of action? He mentioned robocalls and making sure that we have all the most updated contact information to reach people? Council President Britto called on Mr. Bill Fazioli to address the Council. Mr. Fazioli mentioned that since 2010 the City has had 4 declaration of disasters. There is a mitigation plan completed in 2017 and is part of the Emergency Management Plan and is available on the City’s website.
f) Update: (W/MBE) Women and Minority Business Enterprise High School Oversight Committee
Council President Britto
Tabled until the next meeting by Council President Britto
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
a) Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report – Solicitor Dylan Conley
Five votes in executive session all were unanimous.
2. Handicapped Parking Removal 264 Juniper – Steve Coutu
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa brought this to the Council to have this removed, due to information that this was not really as a necessity and more of a way to hold the front of his home empty so that no one else could park there. Also, it was found that this was not even for a resident but for the resident’s friend who does not live in the City or at the address. Petition by residents was signed and given to Councilwoman Sousa, which then directed the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett, to include this to record.
Motion to approve removal made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
b) RESOLUTIONS
1. RESOLUTION REQUESTING TRAFFIC STUDY AT THE PAWTUCKET AVENUE AND WATERMAN AVENUE INTERSECTION
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa and Council Vice President Rodericks
For full language of the resolution (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Resolution listed with the docket was not the correct version. Councilwoman Sousa passed out the correct resolution to the Council.
Councilwoman Sousa introduced the resolution to the Council requesting that the Mayor’s office Police Department and the DPW conduct an independent study on what the high usage is in concern to safety and that this be done within 30 days of passage and the City present this to the Council 10 days after completion. Assistant City Solicitor read the new resolution aloud.
Motion to amend the resolution as read made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
Motion to pass the resolution as read by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Britto. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
2. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF 2020-H7430, 2020-H7480 AND 2020-S2285 RELATING TO PRIMARY ELECTION DATES
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
For full language of the resolution (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Councilwoman Sousa introduced this resolution. Councilwoman Sousa made a motion to approve the resolution. Council Vice President Rodericks seconded the motion. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
3. RESOLUTION RESCINDING, REPEALING, AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 59 REGARDING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT RECREATION DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM
Sponsored by: Councilman Mourato
For full language of the resolution (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Councilman Mourato introduced the resolution to the Council. Councilman Cahoon stated that he would not support rescinding the funds. Council Vice President Rodericks expressed concern about this affecting the application process for the grant. Council President Britto stated when this was originally presented, he voted no, and based off the community voices heard at the last Council meeting, he will keep to his original decision regarding the park. Councilwoman Sousa wanted clarification that this resolution still allocates funds to the park, but the plans to not include the soccer field. Assistant Solicitor Conley states this gives the same authorization and funding remain constant to the previous resolution, but conforms to the 1975 assessment outline that set forth for Grassy Plains.
Motion to approve made by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 3-2.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | x |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | | x |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
4. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE POLICE STATION PARKING LOT EXPANSION
Sponsored by: Council President Britto
For full language of the resolution (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Councilman Cahoon shared that the money will be coming from the available Google money and not through specific line items.
Motion to reconsider this docket item made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
Motion to amend the resolution that the amount of $80,438 for the balance of this project will be available through the asset forfeiture account funds known as the Google Fund Account from the Police Department by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato.
Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
Motion to approve the resolution as amended made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
5. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PIERCE FIELD BASKETBALL COURT REHABILITATION
Sponsored by: Council Vice President Rodericks
For full language of the resolution (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Council Vice President Rodericks introduced this to the Council. Prices includes the entirety of the project. Timetable looks like early July, according to the Director of DPW, Steve Coutu. Councilwoman Sousa asked if the remaining funds will return to the Capital Budget. Assistant Solicitor Conley stated that he would look into this question. The City would enter into a contract with Hartford Paving in the amount of $217,705.15 which is lower than the original budgeted amount of $250,000.
Council Vice President Rodericks made the motion for approval. Councilman Cahoon seconded the motion.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
c) INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
1. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE
A) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
For full language of the ordinance (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to amend by adding the word, “feet” after the number 115 in the ordinance. Councilman Cahoon seconds the motion. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | xx |
Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to approve first passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x |
B) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE,
RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”
Sponsored by: Councilwoman Sousa
For full language of the ordinance (online):
https://clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri
Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to approve the ordinance for first passage. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | x | |
| Mourato | x | |
| Rodericks | x | |
| Sousa | x | |
| Britto | x | |
XVI. RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 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