CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

JOURNAL/MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 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 6:45 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

 

City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello

Assistant City Solicitor, Dylan Conley

City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett

 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be both in person and 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 do not need a meeting passcode.

 

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

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 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2020 in the following delivery methods:

Email the City Clerk: sburnett@eastprovidenceri.gov

Mailed/dropped off at: City Hall, Attention: City Clerk, 145 Taunton Avenue - East Providence, Rhode Island 02914

 

 

I.             CALL TO ORDER –

Council President Britto called the meeting to order. City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett produced a roll call. At the time, all members were present for the exception of Councilwoman Sousa, who did join later in Executive Session.

II.            VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, PURSUANT TO R.I.G.L. 42-46-5 (a)(2) and (a) (5)

Motion to enter 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

 

A) Litigation strategy/update and acquisition of private property by Eminent Domain.

The City Council may go into executive session pursuant to R.I.G.L.  42-46-5(a)(1) and (5) related to an update from special counsel related to litigation status and update on potential eminent domain proceedings related to former Metacomet Golf Club and Facility located at 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, 02914

 

The City Council may go into executive session pursuant to R.I.G.L.  42-46-5(a)(2) litigation and potential litigation to discuss the following items:

A) New Claims

American Commerce Insurance Company (Insured: Yelena Kozyreva)

Ralph Larson

Jenny Vieira

 

B) Litigation//Public Lands

Petition for Abandonment of Surplus Land, Referral to the Planning Board for review and recommendation regarding the public use and value of Assessor's Map 305 Block 6 Parcel 5.1.

Eminent Domain Update regarding the former Metacomet Golf Club located at 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway

 

III.           OPEN SESSION

The Council gathered for Open Session. Council President Britto requested a roll call and the City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett. All members were present.

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 was made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.

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

 

VI.          APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR

COUNCIL  JOURNALS:

FEBRUARY 2, 2021 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

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.

Renee Chicoine spoke regarding the Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Board.

VII. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS NOT REQUIRING COUNCIL APPROVAL

 

Appointments - Tree Commission (THREE YEAR TERMS)

Jenn Tierney 02/17/2021-2/16/2024

Claire Tierney 02/17-2021-02/16/2024

Carol Auer 02/17/2024

Communication Only. Directive Napoleon Gonsalves was available for the Council. No vote or action was taken.

Appointments to Affirmative Action Committee (TWO YEAR TERM)

Angie Lovegrove 11/1/2019- 11/22/2021

Carole Brown 7/22/2020-7/21/2022

Jerome Spinola 10/01/2020-10/02/2022

Haywood Ross 10/01/202-10/02/2022

Janel Logan (Walker) 10/1/2020-10/02/2022

Al Maynard 03/05/2019-03/06/2021

Daniel Coerria 05/01/2020-05/02/2022

Communication Only. Directive Napoleon Gonsalves was available for the Council. No vote or action was taken.

 

VIII. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS REQUIRING COUNCIL CONFIRMATION

 

1.       Marc Furtado, Juvenile Hearing Board

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

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

 

IX.           LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

 

APPLICATIONS FOR VICTUALING LICENSE, CLASS 3 (TRANSFER)

 

A)   EMCD REALTY 187 WILLETT AVENUE, 02915 TRANSFERRED TO: MATRA LLC – 185 WILLETT AVE, 02915 DBA WILLETT FARMS

 

Motion to pass made by Councilman Mourato. Motion to second by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 5-0.

 

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

 

APPLICATION FOR HOLIDAY SALES

 

A)   EMCD REALTY 187 WILLETT AVENUE, 02915 TRANSFERRED TO: MATRA LLC – 185 WILLETT AVE, 02915 DBA WILLETT FARMS

 

Motion to pass 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

  

X.            NEW BUSINESS

 

a) COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

1.       Discussion: East Providence Small Business Survey - Councilman Cahoon

Councilman Cahoon was present to speak and lead the discussion. Tentative date set for the May 4^th Council Meeting to review the business survey results. Reviewed timelines to have an insert added to the water bills and other means to get the word out about participating in the survey.

2.       Discussion: Update COVID 19 Vaccination Plan/Preparedness for East Providence –  Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President was present to speak and lead the discussion with updates on clinics and vaccination for the COVID-19 pandemic.

3.       Discussion: Status of New East Providence High School and Razing of Old Building (Last Walk Down Memory Lane) – Council President Britto

Council President Britto was present to speak and lead the discussion regarding this topic.

4.       Discussion and Status Update on Metacomet Demolition Permitting located at 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway  – Councilwoman Sousa, Councilman Mourato

Councilwoman Sousa and Councilman Mourato were both present to speak and lead the discussion regarding this topic.

5.       Broadway On and Off Ramp Intersection Safety Concerns and Possible Resolution– Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa was present to speak and lead the discussion on this topic.

6.       Discussion: Request for Resolution for LED Lights for the March 2, 2021 Meeting – Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa was present to speak and lead the discussion on this topic.

7.       Black History Month Recognition for the City of East Providence – Council President Britto

Council President Britto was present to speak and lead the discussion on this topic.

8.       Update on the East Providence High School Construction – Councilman Cahoon

Councilman Cahoon was present to speak and lead the discussion on this topic.

 

b)   COMMUNICATIONS – OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

1.       “Pathway to 2040” - Comprehensive Plan Update,  Director William Fazioli and Horsley Witten Senior Planner, Krista Moravec

Presentation was provided by Horsley Witten and provide updates on the progress of this project. Planning Director, William Fazioli was present for this discussion as well.

2.       Executive Order 2021-007 (Extension of Executive Order EO 2020-049, “Virtual Board and Commission Meetings”)

This was a communication item only. No action or vote was taken.

3.       Zobrio Accounting Contract – See Resolution Item #2

Please see the notes under this under Resolution Item #2 – this communication was held in conjunction with this item. Director of Finance, Malcolm Moore was present for the Council.

4.       Executive Order 2021-006 (Extension 2020-004 Municipal State of Emergency to March 16, 2021)

Director, Napoleon Gonsalves was available to the Council. Motion 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.       Tentative Discussion Update:

Suez Contract – Michael Marcello provided a brief update. Suez sent a revised contract. Suez asked for a few more weeks to review. It is still in negotiations. Council President requested that a copy of the contract be provided to the Council. Solicitor Marcello stated that he will get them a contract of what was sent.

c)   REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1.       Boards and Commission Report Update – City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett

City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett provided updates regarding the Board of Assessment, Affirmative Action, Ancient Little Neck Cemetery, Canvassing, Carousel Commission, Conservation Commission.

2.       City Solicitor’s Report – City Solicitor Michael J. Marcello

Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello provided the Claim Report from Executive Session.

d)   RESOLUTIONS

Full resolutions on ClerkBase, under 02/16/2021 agenda: https://www.clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri

1.       RESOLUTION REQUESTING TO NAME THE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD AT GLENLYON - "THE MCDONALD/LONG FIELD"-Council President Britto and Council Vice President Rodericks

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 CONTRACT WITH ZOBRIO FOR ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE -Council Vice President Rodericks

Motion to pass 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 REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO REINSTALL MEMORIAL SIGNAGE IN HONOR OF VETERANS – Councilwoman Sousa

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

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

 

e) ORDINANCES FOR SECOND PASSAGE (AND PUBLIC HEARING)

1.       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 18-307) Council Vice President Rodericks

Public Hearing held. No one exericised the right to speak. Motion to approve 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

 

f) INTRODUCTION TO ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE:

1.       ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE APPROPRIATING $150,000 FOR THE SUPPORT OF CRESCENT PARK LOOFF CAROUSEL AND FACILITIES – Councilman Mourato

This item was tabled to the next Council meeting, scheduled for March 2, 2021. Requested by Councilman Mourato.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

g) ORDINANCES FOR SECOND PASSAGE (AND PUBLIC HEARING)  

1.       AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 7 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “HEALTH AND SANITATION” (Article V, Sections 7-81 to 7-88) Council President Britto and Council Vice President Rodericks)

Public Hearing was offered. It was not exercised by the public. 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

 

XI.           RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)

Council found it not necessary to reconvene in Executive Session.

XII.         ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously. Meeting adjourns.

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.