CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

JOURNAL/MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 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

 

Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello

City Clerk, Samantha N.  Burnett

 

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

We will use an application called, “Zoom” for the public to participate virtually.

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:

PASSCODE: 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 emailing the City Clerk at: sburnett@eastprovidenceri.gov or mailed/dropped off at: City Hall, Attention: City Clerk, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island 02914

All written public comment must be received by 4:00 p.m. on October 6, 2020.

Please note public comment must pertain to a docket item.

 

I.             CALL TO ORDER

Council President Britto called the meeting to order. All members were present at the beginning of the meeting, for the exception of Councilwoman Sousa, who joined later in the meeting.

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)(5):

Motion to move to Executive Session made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes unanimously, 4-0, with Councilwoman Sousa absent for the vote.

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

 

Litigation

A) Review, discussion and vote on transfer of City-owned property including Purchase & Sale Agreement: 0 Pine Grove Street, Assessors Plat 401, Lot 3

 

B) Discussion & possible vote.  Option Agreement Between One Neighborhood Builders and the City of East Providence for potential sale of property known as Riverside Square located at 336 & 348 Bullocks Point Avenue and 12 Fenner Avenue, Map 312, Block 12, Parcels 20, 21 & 22

 

New Claims

A) Caroline Green

B) Deborah L. Hines

C) Christopher Mitrelis

 

Sewer Claims

A) Nidia Cardoso

B) Coty Jeudy

C) Judith Nudelman

D) Denise Wooten

 

III.           OPEN SESSION

Council President Britto announced Open Session.

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 Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

VI.          CONSENT CALENDAR – NO ITEMS

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 member 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.

No items were listed. No vote or action was taken.

VII.         CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS BOARD OF LICENSES

1.       ACCEPTENCE OF DISPOSITION FOR: Chili’s, 50 Highland Avenue, East Providence 02914

Motion to accept the disposition made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilman Mourato absent for the vote.

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

 

VIII.        LICENSES REQURING PUBLIC HEARING

 

1. CLASS BV- FULL PRIVILIDGE – TRANSFER

Applicant: Harut Matkasyan

Address: 580 N. Broadway, East Providence, 02914

Business Name: Riveria Inn Dining and Banquet Co. DBA: Riveria Inn Restaurant

TO

New Business Name Upon Transfer: Riveria Inn Corporation DBA: Riveria Restaurant and Banquet

Public Hearing held and offered. No one exercised the right to speak. Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

2. INTOXICATING BEVERAGE LICENSING PUBLIC HEARINGS

Please refer to attachment to this docket for business listings.

Public hearing offered. No one exercised the right to speak on this item.

Motion to withdraw Metacomet Country Club’s license  (Class D- Club) from the renewals for Intoxicating Beverage License made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

Motion to approve the Intoxicating Beverage Licenses pending compliance of the City Charter and up to date on their tangible taxes paid by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion to second made by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.

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

 

IX.           LICENSING NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

 

1. Victualing License – Class 3

Applicant: Geraldo Goulart and Machado Viera

Business Name: Rei de Carne Meat Market, Inc.

Address: 1024 South Broadway, East Providence, 02914

Applicant was present. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Applicant stated that they anticipate a November 20, 2020 opening. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

2. Holiday Sales License

Applicant: Geraldo Goulart and Machado Viera

Business Name: Rei de Carne Meat Market, Inc.

Address: 1024 South Broadway, East Providence, 02914

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

 

3. Application for Second Hand Dealers and Junkyards – Miscellaneous License

Applicant: Delvis Andres Fernandez and Juan Quironez Ramos

Business Name: Home and Business Appliance Solutions (Sole Propietorship)

Address: 211 ½ Warren Avenue, East Providence, 02914

Motion to approve 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

 

4. Applicant For Victualing License - Class 1 (TRANSFER)

Applicant: Harut Matkasyan

Business Name: Riveria Inn Corporation DBA: Riveria Restaurant and Banquet

Address: 580 N. Broadway, East Providence, 02914

Motion to approve made 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

 

5. Holiday Sales (NEW)

Applicant: Harut Matkasyan

Business Name: Riveria Inn Corporation DBA: Riveria Restaurant and Banquet

Address: 580 N. Broadway, East Providence, 02914

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

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

 

6. Application for Dance/Entertainment License (TRANSFER)

Applicant: Harut Matkasyan

Business Name: Riveria Inn Corporation DBA: Riveria Restaurant and Banquet

Address: 580 N. Broadway, East Providence, 02914

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

 

X.            COMMUNICATIONS

1.       Billy Lewis, Lucky's Bar and Grille – Update on Sewer Rates for Restaurants

 Mr. Lewis was present to have a discussion with the Council regarding an update on sewer rates for restaurants. It was requested to have on the next docket to talk about a community meeting regarding businesses in order to discuss further.

2.       Gary Menissian – Ocean State Multisport Road Race: 06/06/2021 and 09/12/2021

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

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

 

3.       Karen Zyons - 14th Annual Providence Marathon on 05/02/2021

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

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

*See Page 1 regarding log in instructions to participate via Zoom*

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.

Lynn Akin, resident, was the only person for exercised public comment and spoke in regards to the Library Support Budget.

XI.           APPOINTMENTS

1.       Paolo Silva – Reappointment for the Board of Trustees – Library (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

 

2.       Kathy Dias – Reappointment for the Board of Trustees – Library (Council President Britto)

Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion to second made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

XII.         COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

Announcement: Ward 2 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Sousa

Saturday, October 24th at 5:00 p.m. (Weaver Library)

Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (Weaver Library)

Councilwoman Sousa was present to announce this item. These meetings will take place on the lawn of the Weaver library.

1.       Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Presentation from Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Toni Marie Gomes-Executive Director and discussion of resolution. (Councilman Mourato)

 Two helplines to be included in the minutes for this meeting:

24 hour agency line: 401.723.3057 and statewide crime helpline is 1.800.494.8100

 

XIII.        NEW BUSINESS

a) Mayor Communications

1.       Executive Order 2020-044: extending state of emergency through November 10, 2020.

Marc Furtado, of the Mayor’s Office was available for the Council.

Councilman Cahoon made the motion to approve the Executive Order through November 10, 2020. 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

 

2.       Announcement: National Grid Community Participation Initiative Program

Communications Director, Patricia Resende made this announcement to the Council. No vote was taken on this item.

 

b) Reports of Other City Officials

1.) City Solicitor’s Claims Report – City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello

 Claims Report from Executive Session was reported by Solicitor Michael J. Marcello.

c) RESOLUTIONS

Full resolutions on ClerkBase, under 10/20/2020 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO CONVEY PROPERTY LOCATED ON PINE GROVE STREET (0 Pine Grove Street, Assessors Plat 401, Lot 3)

Sponsored by: Council President Britto

Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 3-2.

 

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

 

1.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL WATER UTILITY WORK REQUIRED FOR THE SOUTH BROADWAY 72 INCH CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Sponsored by: Council President Britto

Motion to approve made 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

 

2.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A REVISED AGREEMENT FOR CONTINUED ASSISTANCE WITH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT OF THE WASTEWATER OPERATING CONTRACT AND WHOLESALE SERVICE PROJECT

(Arcadis U.S. Inc.)

Sponsored by: Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 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 FOR THE DEMOLITION OF TWO FORMER SCHOOL BUILDINGS LOCATED ON BURNSIDE AVENUE AND HOPPIN AVENUE

       (80 Burnside Avenue and 33 Hoppin Avenue)

       Sponsored by: Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion to approve made 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

 

4.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH QUALITY DATA SERVICE, INC. (QDS) TO PURCHASE TAX COLLECTION/TAX ASSESSMENT SOFTWARE FOR THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

      Sponsored by: Councilman Cahoon

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

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

 

 

XIV.        INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

Full ordinances on ClerkBase, under 10/20/2020 agenda:

https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri

 

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”

Sub-Section (b) of Section 18-269

Sponsored by: Council President Britto

Motion to approve first passage 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

 

B) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 16 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “TAXATION”

Article IV, Section 16-55

Sponsored by: Council President Britto

Council Vice President Rodericks made the motion to approve. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

 

BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR FY 2020-2021

No budget workshop was held during this meeting, due to the Council passing the budget on October 19, 2020. Councilwoman Sousa made a statement towards the end of the meeting stating that she was unaware that the final vote on the budget would have been taken on the October 19^th meeting and was unable to attend due to needing to work. However, she did make mention that she would like to have it notated for the record that her vote on the record is “nay”.

XV.         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

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

$25,000 for tree planting on Bullocks Point

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

$125,000 for improvement to Willet Pond

$100,000 technology software for Finance

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

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

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

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

LIBRARY increase of $100,000 for a new total of $2,464,157

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

 

XVI.        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.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

 

XVII.      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.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

 

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

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

 

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

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

 

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

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

XVIII.     GENERAL DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL VOTE ON FY21  BUDGET ON THE DEPARTMENTS AS LISTED BELOW: 

 

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

 

XIX.        RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)

The Council determined that it was not necessary to reconvene into Executive Session.

XX.         ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Council VIce President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0. Meeting is 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 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.

 

Published by ClerkBase

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