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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONFERENCE ROOM A
OPEN SESSION WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW EXECUTIVE SESSION
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
Assistant City Solicitor, Dylan Conley
Deputy City Clerk, Leah Stoddard
PLEASE NOTE THIS MEETING WILL STILL BE LIVESTREAMED VIA
https://clerkshq.com/EastProvidence-ri
THERE IS NO ZOOM AVAILABLE – THIS IS A LIVE, IN PERSON MEETING
I) CALL TO ORDER - Council President Robert Britto 
- All council members present
II) INVOCATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION – Council may meet in Executive Session, pursuant to RIGL 46-45 (a) 2 relating to collective bargaining and claims.
NEW CLAIMS
1. MARIA COSTA
2. SHEILA KAUFFMANN
SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS
1. GARY AND NATALIE KENT
2. BAZL TALIAFERROW-MOSLEH
- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to return to open session. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Bob Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
III) SALUTE TO FLAG
- Led by Council President Britto
- Roll Call – all council members present
IV) CONSENT CALENDAR
A) Council Journal: Regular Council Meeting and Executive Session: July 17, 2021
B) Tax Abatements
| Year | Amount |
| 2020 | $58.02 |
| 2021 | $10,600.57 |
| TOTALS: | $10,658.59 |
C) PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PERMITS/LICENSES (Read in)
i) Applicant: Gregory S. Dias
Location: Estelle/Tryon Avenue 02916
Type of Permit/License: One Day Entertainment License and Block Party Application
Date and Time of Function: 7/17/2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Type of Entertainment: Disc Jockey
ii) Applicant: Ronny Periera
Location: 187 Waterman Avenue, 02914
Type of Permit/License: One Day Entertainment License
Type of Entertainment: Disc Jockey
Date and Time of Function: 8/7/2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
iii) Applicant: Lidia Alves, Representing Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity
Location: 59 Brightridge Avenue, 02914
Type of Permit/License: Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage, Class F
Event: Holy Ghost Feast
Date and Time of Function: 07/16/2021 and 07/17/2021
- Motion made to seal executive session minutes by Councilman Cahoon, motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
- Motion made to approve the Consent Calendar 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 | |
V) LICENSES (REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NON-PUBLIC HEARINGS)
A) Licenses Not Requiring Public Hearing
i) APPLICATION FOR KENNEL LICENSE
Business Name: Faraway Farms, LLC (Business Type: Dog Center)
Applicant: Kristen Deblasio
Business Address: 60 Edmund Street, 02914
- Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
ii) APPLICATION FOR DANCE/ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
Business Name: Lane’s Food Company dba: Gregg’s Restaurants
Applicant: H. Robert Bacon
Business Address: 1940 Pawtucket Avenue, 02914
Type of Entertainment: Light Music
- Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously, 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
iii) APPLICATION FOR WRECKING/TOWING SERVICES LICENSE
Business Name: Scorpio Towing
Applicant: Duane Souza
Business Address: 501 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
Motion to approve by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion
passed, 4-1 pending obtaining lease for property in the City of East Providence.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | | X |
| Britto | X | |
iv) ONE DAY ENTERTAINMENT LICENSES
a) Applicant: Tara Machado
Location: 79 Narragansett Avenue, 02915
Date and Time of Function: 09/06/2021 from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m.
Type of Entertainment: Live Band
- Motion to approve by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passed unanimously 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
b) Applicant: Leanne Aldrich, on behalf of the East Providence Elks Club #2337
Location: 60 Berkley Street, 02914
Date and Time of Function: 09/25/2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Type of Entertainment: Disc Jockey
- Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
c) Applicant: Silvestre Cardoso, on behalf of the East Providence Elks Club
Location: 74 Earl Avenue, 02915
Date and Time of Function: 09/19/2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Type of Entertainment: Outdoor Television Set Up for Football Game
- Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman
Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
d) Applicant: Joel Osborne
Location: 15 Middle Street, 02915
Date and Time of Function: 09/17/2021from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Type of Entertainment: Block Party
- Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
v) APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
a) Applicant: Marcie Mello, representing East Providence Elks Club #2337
Location: 60 Berkley Street, 02915
Date of Function: 08/22/2021
Type of Entertainment: Family Fun Day Event
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
vi) APPLICATION FOR VICTUALING LICENSE
a) Applicant: Nasradin Musaev, Wise Guys Pizza, LLC.
Business Address: 467 Willett Avenue, 02915
Type of Victualing License: Transfer
7th. Transfer for Wise Guys Deli Holiday Sales & Vic Class 3
Transfer from: Kamuran Yakut - Transfer to: Nasradin Musaev
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
b) Applicant: Ryan Gwiazdowski
Business Address: 80A Newport Avenue, 02916
Business: Subway
Type of Victualing License: Class 2, Transfer
Transfer for Underground Hero's Inc, DBA Subway Vic Class 2
Transfer From: Michael Decilio – Transfer To: Ryan Gwiazdowski
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
vii) APPLICATION FOR HOLIDAY SALES LICENSE
a) Applicant: Nasradin Musaev, Wise Guys Pizza, LLC.
Business Address: 467 Willett Avenue, 02915
7th. Transfer for Wise Guys Deli Holiday Sales & Vic Class 3
Transfer from: Kamuran Yakut - Transfer to: Nasradin Musaev
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
B) LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
Type of License: Full Privilege LQ license BV- Cafe Praca, LLC DBA Cafe Zara
Applicant: Levi Medina
Address: 130 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, 02914
- George Manni addresses the Council to state that he is in favor of this liquor license
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
VI) PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENATIONS – NONE
VII) COMMUNICATIONS
A) Phillip Tirrell – Transfer of Land to the City to Be Improved as a Hammer Head on Vineland Avenue
Attorney John E. Shekarchi and Phillip Tirrell speak about previously approved subdivision to create a hammerhead and dedicated to the City of East Providence. Attorney Shekarchi asking to approve the hammerhead (paved turnaround for emergency vehicles and general public) retroactively. Assistant Solicitor Conley states it is to be placed on the docket for a vote.
B) Samantha Burnett – Lack of ADA and Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action resources and protection against discrimination in the City of East Providence for employees.
Samantha Burnett spoke speaks about her own personal employment and her own personal experience with the City of East Providence Administration.
VIII) PUBLIC COMMENT
| Name | Docket Item |
| Heather Andrade | Correspondence |
| Candy Seel | Civility |
| Renee Ignacio | Chicken Ordinance |
| Patrick Diminio | Chicken Ordinance |
IX) APPOINTMENTS - NONE
X) COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMUNICATION
A) Personal statement relative to negative character attacks. For discussion.
Council Vice President Rodericks
Council Vice President Rodericks speaks to the comments made about his late father and various allegations made toward his own character.
B) Traffic issues on Promenade Street in Riverside. For discussion.
Council Vice President Rodericks
Council Vice President speaks to how he and Councilman Mourato have been working on this issue together. Anthony Amarantes speaks to the various issues of Promenade Street being used as a cut through street and incidents that have occurred. DPW Director Dan Borges approaches and states he will contact Barrington due to the street running through both cities/towns.
C) Charter 2-9 (6) which reads: Inquire into the conduct of any office, department or agency of the City and make investigation as to municipal affairs and, for such purposes, the Council may subpoena witnesses and require the production of records if a simple majority of at least three (3) Council Members passes a resolution which shall state, with sufficient particularity, the legitimate public purpose for the issuance of any such subpoena and the scope of said subpoena; For discussion.
Councilman Mourato
Councilman Mourato speaks to Samantha Burnette’s communication item and the ADA. The Assistant Solicitor Conley states to continue the discussion to the listed item on the docket. Council Mourato asks Deputy City Clerk Leah Stoddard to add ADA discussion to the next council docket. Councilman Mourato asks what procedure is to be followed to allow council to move forward with an investigation.
D) Budget Timeline for 2021-2022 - Possible Vote on Dates
Councilman Mourato
Council agrees to budget workshops for September 8, 15, 22 and 29. No vote was taken.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
E) Update on the new East Providence High School Discussion Only
Councilman Cahoon
Councilman Cahoon states that East Providence High School will open on time, August 30th is the substantial completion of the building.
XI) PUBLIC HEARINGS – SEE ORDINANCES FOR SECOND PASSAGE AND PUBLIC HEARING
XII) NEW BUSINESS
A) MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS - Items of Communication Attached to Docket and Will Be Accepted Into Record with Approval of the Council
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
B) REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS - NONE
C) REPORTS OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIASION – NONE
D) RESOLUTIONS
i) Resolution of the East Providence City Council Regarding Noise Pollution along the
East Providence-Providence Waterfront
Sponsored by: Councilman Cahoon, Council President Britto, Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
ii) Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with RISE Engineering for the Street Light Conversion
Council Vice President Rodericks
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
iii) Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for the purchase of a small dump truck for the Water Utilities Division
Councilman Cahoon
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
iv) Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract amendment for continued assistance with professional services for the strategic assessment of the wastewater operating contract and wholesale service project
Council President Britto
- Motion to approve original resolution by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passed 4-1.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | X |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
- Motion to approve the amendment of the resolution by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passed 4-1.
- Amended to state the use of ARPA funds
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | X |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
v) Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Arcadis U.S. Inc. for engineering and design services to conduct a capital improvement plan on the existing sewer distribution system and design services for the North Broadway interceptor replacement and City-wide sewer repairs
Council President Britto
- Motion to approve original resolution by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passed 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
- Motion to approve the amendment of the resolution by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.. Motion passed 5-0.
- Amended to state the use of ARPA funds
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
vi) Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract amendment with CDM Smith for continued assistance with the water supply main inspection services
Council President Britto
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
vii) Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract amendment with Pure Technologies for continued assistance with the 42" water transmission pipeline pre-inspection planning
Council President Britto
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
viii) Resolution authorizing the granting of a temporary utility easement and turner loop trail parking area related to the Hunts Mill Bridge #208 replacement project (Group 69E) Council President Britto
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
ix) Resolution regarding the disposition of the City of East Providence’s interest in Tax Assessor’s Map 305, Block 6, Parcel 5.1
Council President Britto
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
E) INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
I) ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE
i) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED, “ZONING” (SECTION 19-322)
Summary: This ordinance addresses the zoning amendment for the Mixed Use Hub Overlay District.
Council Vice President Rodericks, Councilman Cahoon and Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve original resolution by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passed 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
- Motion to approve the amendment of the resolution by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon.. Motion passed 5-0.
- Amended as follows:
- 4. Riverside Square Overlay District – All those parcels directly fronting on the easterly and westerly sides of Bullocks Point Avenue from parcel 13 of map 311, block 1 and commencing southerly to the intersection of North Street on the westerly side and Luray Street on the easterly side of Bullocks Point Avenue, and inclusive of parcel 6 of map 312 block 8, and with the exception of parcel 20 of map 312, block 12 (former Vamco site, as regulated under Division 19 of Zoning entitled Riverside Square Mixed Use/Downtown Overlay) and all parcels fronting on the easterly and westerly sides of Pawtucket Avenue from the intersection of Hoppin Avenue and commencing southerly to the intersection of Turner Avenue and as defined in R.I.G.L. 45-24-31 (Overlay Districts). All properties located within the Riverside Square Overlay District may choose either to develop or redevelop, subject to the provisions of Division 15, section 19-322 or may choose to develop or redevelop under the provisions of the current underlying zoning of the property (C-1, C-2, C-3).
- 5. However, within the Main Street and Neighborhood Center Overlay Districts as defined within this Code, the provision of off-street parking is not required for non-residential uses located within existing structures. New construction or development involving expansion of a building footprint is required to comply fully with the provisions of this article.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
ii) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 1998,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ZONING” (Section 19-95)
Summary: This is a zoning change of the parcels 1, 2, and 11 as shown in the attached Exhibit A presently located in an R-3 district are hereby changed to an R-4 district.
Councilman Cahoon
- Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
**Councilwoman Sousa makes a motion to continue the meeting past 10pm. Seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
iii) AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” (Section 3-2)
Summary: This amendment allows chicken/fowl to be considered for approval for emotional support animals.
Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion has been tabled
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
II) ORDINANCES FOR SECOND PASSAGE AND PUBLIC HEARING
i) 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” (Section 18-12 and 18-76)
Summary: Changes to certain traffic patterns and certain traffic signage to require City Council consent.
Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
F. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to adjourn by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passed 4-1.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | | X |
| Britto | X | |