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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, December 7, 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
City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello
Deputy City Clerk, Leah Stoddard
I. CALL TO ORDER 
Roll Call
Cahoon__X___ Mourato__X___ Rodericks_X____ Sousa __X___ Britto__X___
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
- Salute to the flag led by Council President Britto
III. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to enter into executive session. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2) to discuss and resolve the following claims and settlement agreements
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
A. New Claims
1. Joseph Anselmo
2. Sherri Feld
3. Maryann Fonseca
4. Paulo Vilela
B. Claim for Reconsideration
1. Richard & Linda Pina
C. National Prescription Opiate Litigation, C.A. No. 1:17-MD-2804 - Update and possible vote to approve proposed settlement.
D. 10 Tripps Holdings, LLC vs. City, C.A. No. PC-2021-01018 & PC-2020-06665- Update and possible vote to approve proposed settlement.
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Cahoon__X___ Mourato___X__ Rodericks__X___ Sousa __X___ Britto__X___
V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to seal executive session minutes. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes November 16, 2021
2. Tax Abatements
| Year | Amount |
| 2021 | $6,595.99 |
| Total | $6,595.99 |
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to approve the consent calendar and tax abatements. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
VII. LICENSES
A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Application for Victualing License – Class 1 – Transfer
Transfer from: Apple Valley Kenco, Inc dba Kentucky Fried Chicken
Transfer to: D.E Foods LLC dba KFC
Location: 45 Newport Ave. 02916
- 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 | |
2. Application for Holiday Sales – New
Applicant: Karen DeLuca
Business Name: D.E Foods LLC dba KFC
Business Address: 45 Newport Ave. 02916
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
3. Application for Victualing License – Class 3 – Transfer
Transfer from: Apple Valley Granaco, Inc dba Kentucky Fried Chicken
Transfer to: D.E Foods LLC dba KFC
Location: 797 Taunton Ave. 02914
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
4. Application for Holiday Sales – New
Applicant: Karen DeLuca
Business Name: D.E Foods LLC dba KFC
Business Address: 797 Taunton Ave. 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 | |
5. Road Race
Applicant: Gary Menissian, Ocean State Multisport
Location: Pierce Field
Date & Time of Event: March 11, 2022, June 5, 2022 and September 11, 2022
- Motion to approve as amended to March 13, 2022 made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
- 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 | |
6. Vally Auto and Towing – Tow List Approval
- 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. PUBLIC HEARING
VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
Any person who submits a communication to the Council and wishes to speak on it must indicate this in writing no later than 4:00 p.m. the Thursday prior to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting. A person who lists more than one topic on their communication will be allowed to speak on the first one listed.
1. East Providence Christmas Community Dinner – Stephen Costa
- Information regarding the East Providence Christmas Community Dinner was given to the public. Donation box locations were listed also.
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 comments. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes. The order of speakers will be on a first come, first serve basis and the maximum time for public comment shall by limited to thirty (30) minutes per meeting.
XI. APPOINTMENTS
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. City Clerk vacancy. Process for filling of the Clerk vacancy for balance of term, job description and appointment procedure – Council Vice President Rodericks - Discussion with possible vote
- Motion to approve and to attach the resolution to the job posting made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
2. Community service recognition for volunteers that assisted in painting the Riverside mural – Councilman Mourato
- Councilman Mourato spoke about the community involvement in painting the Riverside mural and presented citations to the volunteers.
3. Freedom Green tree lighting December, 11, 2021 – Council President Britto – discussion only
- Council President Britto spoke about the tree lighting at Freedom Green.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. First and Final Passage
1. An ordinance of the Council of the City of East Providence appropriating $100,157 for the installation of lights at the George S. Lima, Sr. Memorial Park at Hull Street Playground (as advertised 11/18/2021)
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
- Council Vice President Rodericks requested to add Councilman Cahoon and Councilwoman Sousa as co-sponsors.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
2. An ordinance of the Council of the City of East Providence appropriating $25,000 for improvements and repairs at the Kevin Robinson Memorial Skate Park at Onna Moniz-John Park (as advertised 12/2/2021)
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Cahoon
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 5-0.
- Councilman Cahoon requested to add Councilwoman Sousa as co-sponsor.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
B. Public Hearing
1. Street Abandonment
Summary: To consider a street abandonment of a 1,748 sq. ft. portion of Sabin Street that is currently unimproved. Sabin Street is a local road with a right-of-way of 20 feet that runs north/south from Balkcom Street to Sabin Point Park. Only a portion of Sabin Street is improved that allows physical access to several dwellings at the intersection of Sabin Street and Peary Street
- Attorney Joshua Slepkow spoke about the Sabin Street abandonment on behalf of the petitioners.
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Appointments requiring council confirmation
a. Nicole Bateman, appointment to the Economic Development Commission,
Appointment/Seat 4 (vacant), Term (11/27/2017-11/21/2022)
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
b. Robert McNelis, appointment to the Economic Development Commission,
Appointment/Seat 8 (vacant), Term (10/18/2017-10/17/2022)
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
c. Michael Beauparlant, reappointment to the Zoning Board of Review,
Ward 1 seat, Term (06/03/2020-06/02/2025)
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
d. Eugene Saveory, reappointment to the Zoning Board of Review,
Ward 4 seat, Term (06/03/2021-06/02/2026)
- 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 | |
2. Items for announcement/discussion
a. The City of East Providence has been awarded up to $367,000 in grant funds to expand Internet access for low- and moderate-income residents. The awards are funded by Community Development Block Grants (CDDBG) and managed by the state’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD). The funds will leverage planned municipal infrastructure improvements to provide open access
Wi-Fi in targeted Census tracts, largely overlapping with the City’s designated Opportunity Zone. This project will also support digital literacy training in partnership with East Providence House Authority, the East Providence Library, EBCAP, the Boys and Girls Club, and the senior center as well as device access for households through the East Providence School District – Community Development Coordinator Dave Bachrach
- Director Gonsalves reads announcement.
b. The City of East Providence Fire Dept. has been awarded FY 2021 Homeland Security Grant Program funding in the amount of $50,000 for the Environmental Response/Tech Rescue project. EPFD received the Heavy Rescue Grant from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) for training programs and team start-up costs for its official participation in the Rhode Island Heavy Rescue Task Force. The Task Force is organized into the East Bay (EPFD) and West Bay (Warwick FD) Heavy Rescue Squad. When the two squads come together they form the Rhode Island Heavy Rescue Task Force that is a Type-4 Urban Search and Rescue Team asset for the State of Rhode Island and beyond - EPFD Chief Glenn Quick
- Chief Quick spoke about the funding and how it will be used.
c. Streetlight Conversion update and presentation – DPW Director Dan Borges & Lisa Maine of RISE Engineering
- Lisa Maine from RISE Engineering spoke about the streetlight conversion, the benefits of the new lights and how they work.
d. November Capital Expenses & General Fund Expenses – Finance Director Malcolm Moore
- Finance Director Malcolm Moore addressed the council and spoke to the November expenses.
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Report of the City Solicitor
a. Claims Committee Report
- Assistant Solicitor Conley reads claim report
2. City Council Regular Meeting Dates 2022 – Deputy City Clerk Leah Stoddard
- Deputy City Clerk reads regular council meeting dates
a. January 4 & January 18
February 1 & February 15
March 1 & March 15
April 5 & April 19
May 3 & May 17
June 7 & June 21
July 19
August 16
September 6 & September 20
October 4 & October 18
November 1 & November 15
December 6 & December 20
C. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the purchase of a technology platform for automatic license plate detection for the Police Department
Sponsor: Council President Britto & Council Vice President Rodericks
- Motion to table until February 15, 2022 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 | |
2. Abandonment of a portion of Sabin Street
Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
D. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - None
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Councilman Cahoon adjourns in memory of the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor
- 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 | |
If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 401.435.7596 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.