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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES-SPECIAL MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING:

BUDGET WORKSHOP WITH POSSIBLE VOTES WITH AMENDMENTS THERETO

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 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

City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello

City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett

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I CALL TO ORDER – Council President Britto called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken by the City Clerk. Councilwoman Sousa was absent and was teaching until about 9:00 p.m. and requested the City Clerk to ensure the record reflected this statement.

II PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Council President Britto

III BUDGET SESSION

IV PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED INCREASES

(ADVERTISED IN THE EAST PROVIDENCE POST ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020)

PROPOSED INCREASE OF LINE ITEMS FOR THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR FOR THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

Pursuant to Section 5-11(3) of the City’s Home Rule Charter, the City Council may consider increases or re-allocations from the listed line items in the Administration’s budget as noted below.

CITY CLERK: increase of $9,800 for a new total of $710,292

Introduced by Councilman Mourato. City Solicitor (200-55110 line item) stated that this would be the line item for adding to the City Clerk’s salary of an increase for $9,800. The City Clerk asked the Finance Director if the total was correct and he stated it was. Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item. Mayor DaSilva went on the record to oppose the increase for numerous reasons. Councilman Mourato countered and offered his perspective in favor of the increase for the City Clerk.

The City Clerk thanked the mayor and Councilman for their perspectives and respectfully dissented with his opposition. She stated that in her department it is the third highest revenue generator in the City, runs two court systems and manages a department.

The mayor reiterated that he still opposes the increase for numerous reasons. Public Hearing was offered a second time on both Zoom and in person.

Finance Director, Malcolm Moore stated that the City Clerk does rate low. He stated the if he could give anyone a raise it would be the Recreation Director.

The City Clerk asked Mr. Moore what he makes for a salary. Mr. Moore answered it wasn’t up for discussion.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

CAPITAL including but not limited to proposals regarding to add the following capital projects:

$25,000 for tree planting on Bullocks Point:

Introduced by Councilman Mourato and was inspired by the Riverside Action Group. Resident and EP Urban Forest member, Jenn Tierney was present to discuss the trees and the types of species they are looking to plant. Carol Orr, who is a professor of Forest Botany at the University of Connecticut and came up with the best species for the area. Presentation was given and will be attached to the final physical record in the City Archives. Council President Britto asked if DEM has ever been explored. Councilman Mourato responded that considering Bullocks Point is a state road and though they weren’t going to plant or buy the trees, the City still needed permission from them. There was an application process and Councilman Mourato stated it died when it was given to the Planning Department. Mayor DaSilva added to the conversation stated that they applied to the DEM for a grant for a tree census. They have an appointment with Mr. Campanini on October 27^th to speak further on the tree census. Mayor DaSilva mentioned that he does support this project that Councilman Mourato proposes. Motion made by Councilman Mourato to approve this item as an ordinance as presented.

Seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

$3,500 for an electrical project on Riverside Square (Wire Drop)

Introduced by Councilman Mourato. The estimate in the past was $3,500 and asking for it to be installed. Last year on December 17^th the Council voted unanimously for the wire drop to happen. Councilman Mourato is placing this as an ordinance so if this passes, this is something that cannot be ignored. Mayor DaSilva stated that through a grant that was awarded to improve Riverside Square, location of the wire drop that Councilman Mourato is proposing was having difficulty getting approved by the DEM due to the placement of the bike path. Motion by Councilman Mourato to pass the ordinance and increase the budget by $3,500 for this project. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Council President Britto asked since this was already passed, would it be an additional $3,500 or if it was the same $3,500. City Solicitor stated that we are planning for this current budget.

$125,000 for improvement to Willet Pond

Introduced by Councilman Mourato. Handout was passed out regarding Willett Pond. Results from a community survey with 125 participants was integrated to this report. Riverside Renaissance will be donating $800.00 towards boardwalk installation. Benches, education signs and the main feature would be the gazebo. The survey was conducted by the Riverside Action Committee.

Melissa Linhares-Spurr was also available and presented to the Council regarding the vision and options that could happen should the funding for this project passes.

Public Hearing was offered both on Zoom and in person. Instructions were given on how to participate on Zoom whether on the computer or telephonically. Mayor DaSilva thanked Ms. Linhares-Spurr for the presentation.

Cindy Streveny from the Riverside Action Group spoke as well in favor of passing this for numerous reasons.

Dr. Jason Rafferty, Director of the Riverside Renaissance, spoke in favor of passing this for numerous reasons. (participated through the Zoom call in feature under Public Hearing).

Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

$100,000 technology software for Finance (increase $100,000 to the Capital Budget).

Introduced by Councilman Cahoon. Decrease the Finance budget by $100,000 and increase the Capital budget by $100,000.

Motion to increase the Capital budget by $100,00 and simultaneously increase the Library budget by $100,000 with the understanding that the Finance budget decrease by $100,000 by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

Library increase of $100,000 for a new total of $2,464,157 (550-56000 – line item)

Introduced by Councilman Cahoon

Motion to increase by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item.

$12,000 for fencing at Myron J. Francis Elementary School

Introduced by Council President Britto. This will give a more controlled area where the children will play and also for a fire exit for the side entrance. This will be placed in the back portion of the school. Motion to approve by Councilman Mourato. Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item.

Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

$5,000 for fencing at Hunt's Mill Dog Park

Introduced by Council President Britto. This is for the smaller dogs and purchase a fence to go around the perimeter of the existing dog park that is in Hunt’s Mills at this time. Public Hearing offered both in person and on Zoom. Samantha Burnett spoke in favor of this item.

Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

If approved, these projects would increase the total capital budget from $2,542,966 to $2,813,466.

Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks.

City Clerk, Samantha Burnett, stated that she did not receive confirmation back from the Finance Director, Malcolm Moore but this is her own math.

Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

PIERCE STADIUM; increase of $21,000 for security for a new total of $97,000

Council Vice President Rodericks introduced this item increase. Motion is to reinstate the security position for $21,000 to cover necessary hours for Pierce Stadium. Line item 801-53000 Purchased Professional Services, according to City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello.

Public Comment offered both in person and on Zoom.

Motion to increase 801-53000 by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

POLICE DEPARTMENT; increase of $10,000 for professional development for a new total $17,551,250

Introduced by Council President Britto for shooting training. 700-52917 is the line item, as given by the City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello.

Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item. Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato.

Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello $193,914,428.00 stated that as of now, this is the new base number that the Council is working with. Councilman Cahoon asked after we advertise that number, at what time can the Council vote on this. City Solicitor Michael J. Marcello stated that at any time the Council finishes the budget process they can. Mr. Marcello stated that he will ask at the end of this meeting to ask to continue this meeting to tomorrow and if we don’t finish tonight, it can be continued again.

V. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE (FOR VOTE)

1) ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDNCE APPROPRIATING

$193,603,128 FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING

OCTOBER 31, 2020.

Tabled.

VI. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND AND FINAL PASSAGE WITH PUBLIC HEARING (FOR VOTE)

1) ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE ORDERING THE

ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAX ON THE RATABLE REAL ESTATE, TANGIBLE

PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND AN EXCISE TAX ON REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS.

Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item. Council Vice President Rodericks asked about any senior relief on property taxes. Comparisons of other municipalities were discussed between Council Vice President Rodericks and City Solicitor Michael J. Marcello. Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

2) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO BORROW FUNDS IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES.

Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item. Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

3) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO BORROW FUNDS IN ANTICIPATION OF BONDS.

4) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO BORROW FUNDS IN ANTICIPATION OF REVENUE

Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one exercised the opportunity to speak on either item. Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks.

Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

VII. GENERAL DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL VOTE ON FY20-21 BUDGET ON THE DEPARTMENTS AS LISTED BELOW:

Proposals discussed:

Councilman Mourato proposed the following: a $40,000 reduction to the Mayor’s Office. Reduction in the Law Department $25,000. Tax Collection reduction of $20,000 (57311 was addressed in this discussion). Removing the Police Detail line item as an expense in the amount of $1.2 million, based off of how other municipalities operate their budgets as revenue for this line item. Information Technology $35,000 reduction. All proposed reductions to the bottom line of the department budget.

At this point, $1,319,000.00 would be the total of the proposed reductions reported by Council President Britto.

Councilman Mourato mentioned about the Homestead Act. He read an email from Mr. Morris, an owner of two East Providence businesses, who employs several employees that also live in East Providence. Mr. Morris spoke out against the Homestead Tax increase. Council President Britto asked for the Homestead Act increase how that would affect the business owner. There was an inaudible response but Mr. Moore did not approach the podium. Councilman Cahoon discussed level funding in departments and the year on year increases and responsibly increasing taxes in East Providence. He stated that prices can increase over time, and the volatility of that and gave the example of the increase of health insurance. There are necessary expenses in every budget. Finance Director, Malcolm Moore did confirm the levy would be at 3.5% not 2.6%. Additional discussion was had about the rate increase and tax levy. New growth was listed as an indicator in this scenario as well.

Council President concurs with Councilman Cahoon and Council Vice President Rodericks with the budget that was presented at this time.

City Solicitor stated that if there are no motions for additional cuts and want

Ordinance #1, to pass it would need amendment as: appropriating amending from $193,603,128 to $193,914,428.00 for the support of City government and the fiscal year ending October 31, 2021.

Motion to approve appropriating amending from $193,603,128 to $193,914,428.00 for the support of City government and the fiscal year ending October 31, 2021 by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Councilman Mourato asked if this was to approve the overall budget and if so it would be done tonight? Solicitor Michael J. Marcello stated that was correct.

Councilman Cahoon voted aye. Councilman Mourato voted nay. Council Vice President Rodericks voted aye. Council President Britto voted aye. Councilwoman Sousa was absent for the vote. Motion passes 3-1.

Motion to approve the ordinance as amended by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks.

A) CITY COUNCIL

B) MAYOR’S OFFICE

C) CITY CLERK

D) LAW

E) CANVASSING

F) FINANCE

G) TAX COLLECTION

H) TAX ASSESSMENT

I) HUMAN RESOURCES

J) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

K) MISCELLANEOUS

L) DEBT SERVICE

M) CAPITAL

O) PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

P) RECREATION

Q) PIERCE STADIUM

R) CAROUSEL

S) LIBRARY

T) SENIOR CENTER

U) PUBLIC WORKS

V) BUILDING INSPECTOR

W) ENGINEERING

X) HIGHWAY/PARKS

Y) STREETLIGHTS

Z) REFUSE DISPOSAL

AA) PUBLIC BUILDINGS

BB) CENTRAL GARAGE

CC) POLICE DEPARTMENT

DD) ANIMAL SHELTER

EE) HARBORMASTER

FF) FIRE DEPARTMENT

GG) WASTEWATER POLLUTION CONTROL

HH) WATER UTILITIES

II) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

VIII. ADJOURNMENT – Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilwoman Sousa absent.

Meeting adjourned.