CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES/JOURNAL-SPECIAL MEETING

BUDGET SESSION: FINANCIAL YEAR 2020-2021

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30-8:30 P.M.

145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONFERENCE ROOM A

 

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

 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be conducted virtually, through an application

called, "Zoom".

 

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.

 

The meeting will also be available live on our city website, located at:

 

http://www.clerkbase.com/RI_EastProvidence_Live_CityCouncil.html

 

 

I.    CALL TO ORDER –

Council President called the meeting to order. Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilwoman Sousa were absent for the entirety of the meeting.

 

II.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council President led the Pledge.

 

III.  BUDGET SESSION

A)   DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS –

Director of Public Works, Steve Coutu was present. Council President Britto asked about the telephone and communication line item was raised significantly. Director Coutu responded that the new phone system is being charged to the department. Transfer from IT to Public Works.

Building Inspection: Councilman Cahoon asked about the increase of part time pay. Director Coutu stated the number is lower, but the personnel didn’t change. Previously three part time employees: clerk, electrical inspector and minimum housing.

Engineering: No questions or discussion.

Highway and Park Department (together): Councilman Cahoon asked about significant increase in the capital budget for improvement to parks and do we have the personnel to work on these improvements. Director Coutu stated that some items would be contracted out. Councilman Cahoon asked if Director Coutu if he saw anything that would prevent any of the capital projects from being completed. Director Coutu stated no, he did not. Council President Britto questioned the clothing allowance line item increase. Director Coutu stated he thinks its probably not correct and maybe taken out of uniforms and apparel and it is a contractual item.

Street Lights: Director Coutu stated that the price of Electricity has gone up and the law department is still working on this item. Councilman Mourato asked if the $250,000 savings from Green LLC, would it contribute to this? Director Coutu said no. Councilman Mourato asked where would that apply to? Director Coutu responded that he did not know.

Refuse/Disposal: Councilman Cahoon asked about the new receptacles and bulky item pick up. He wanted to know if there was any kind of difference in regards to the new rules for bulky items. Director Coutu stated that with the new ordinances we are going to start seeing a difference and recouping expenses now since the city is charging, and new citations that can be issued now. Councilman Cahoon asked if there was much demand for additional bins. Director Coutu stated initially they were seeing that but it is now tapering off. Council President Britto stated that he did notice the yard waste pick up remained the same.

Public Buildings: Councilman Cahoon asked if the change in the salary is due to moving an employee from another division (Highway to Public Buildings). Director Coutu confirmed this change.

Central Garage: Council President stated that he did not have any questions. No other Council discussion was had.

B)   CANVASSING

Council did not have any questions or concerns. Councilman Mourato pointed out that the budget is less than last year, but there was a part time increase due to the election. Leslie Shattuck-Moore, Canvassing Administrator, did not have anything additional to contribute.

 

IV.  ADJOURNMENT:

Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Mourato, seconded by Councilman Mourato, motion unanimously passes, 3-0 with Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilwoman Sousa absent for the vote.

Meeting adjourned.