CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 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

 

Solicitor Michael J. Marcello

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

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER –

Meeting was called to order by Council President Britto. City Clerk, Samantha Burnett, produced a roll call. All Council members were present.

 

II.        INVOCATION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

Council may meet in Executive Session, pursuant to RIGL 46-45 (a)

Motion to move into Executive Session made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

 

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

 

III.       EXECUTIVE SESSION - Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a) 2

1)         Review, discussion and potential vote to ratify the collective bargaining agreement between the United Steelworkers Local 15509 and the City of East Providence - Effective 11/01/2020 to 10/31/2023

2.            CLAIMS

A) OCTAVIO CUNHA

B) OSTENDORF LAW GROUP LLC  (FOR ASHLEY, ELLA & SOPHIA OSTENDORF)

C) PAUL J. RHINLINGER

D) ELIZABETH ZUCCHI

 

IV.       OPEN SESSION –

The Council returned back from Executive Session and began the Open Session.

 

V.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –

Council President Britto led the Pledge.

Immediately following the Pledge, the Council President requested the City Clerk to produce a roll call. All Council members were present.

 

VI.       MOTION TO SEAL THE MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to seal the minutes from Executive Session made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

VII.     APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR

 

1.            COUNCIL  JOURNALS: JUNE 1, 2021 – REGULAR MEETING

 

2.            JUNE 1, 2021 - EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

 

3.            TAX ABATEMENTS:

 

2019	$55.26
2020	$715.68
2021	$2,988.43
TOTALS	$3,759.37

 

 

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

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

 

 

Council President Britto requested to move a docket item up due to Chief Nebus needing to attend an event this evening. There were no issues from the Council. Please see the item listed as,

“AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “POLICE” (Amending Section 12-18-6 related to minimum education requirements for police officers) (Council Vice President Rodericks)”

 

Following the above item was completed, Council President requested to move up the Communications item, entitled, “Nick Rabar, Community Family Friendly 5K walk/run Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. Start and Finish location: Greenwood Avenue at Rumford Center” Please see below for notes.

 

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.

Name:	Docket Item:
Candy Seel	Open Space Zone Change Review Process
Julie Lauterbach-Colby	First Street Bike Project
Heather Andrade	Zone Ordinance
Anne Teipei (sp)	Open Space/Zone Review Process
Mike Teipei (sp)	Open Space/Zone Review Process
Chrissy Rossi	Has Something on Her Mind (Clerk Note: as written by commenter)
James Cunningham	Zone Ordinance without a Traffic Study
Kathleen Gannon	First Street Bike Project
Steven Schuman	Councilwoman Sousa’s Zoning Proposal
Diane Petrella	Councilwoman Sousa’s Zoning Proposal

 

VIII.    COMMUNICATIONS

1.      Nick Rabar, Community Family Friendly 5K walk/run

Sunday, September 26, 2021 – 9:00 a.m.

Start and Finish location: Greenwood Avenue at Rumford Center

 

Nick Rabar and Kerry Taylor from 212 Health and Performance, hosts of the event, were in attendance.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon.

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

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

 

VIII.    COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS WITHOUT MAYORAL APPROVAL

1.      Waterfront Commission Appointment - Manny Barrows effective July 1, 2021

(Council President Britto)

 

Council President Britto spoke regarding Mr. Barrows and his qualifications. This seat is available due to Mr. Paul Moura’s seat becoming available. Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

IX.       MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS WITH COUNCIL APPROVAL

A) Matthew Dawson – Personnel Hearing Board (12/17/2019-12/6/2025)

Director Gonsalves was available to speak to the Council. Councilwoman Sousa needed clarification of the appointment dates, and Solicitor Marcello and Director Gonsalves provided additional answers for her.

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

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

 

X.        MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS NOT REQUIRING COUNCIL APPROVAL

A) Eileen Bowden – East Providence Housing Authority (10/18/2020-10/17/2023)

Council Vice President Rodericks requested Director Gonsalves to share some background on this applicant. Director Gonsalves did not have it. The Council came back later in the meeting to see if Director Gonsalves found the information, and he was without it.

 

XI.       LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

 

A) Block Party Applications

1)         Applicant: Jeanne Rego

Road Closure Request: Arlington Street, 02914 (From the intersection of Juniper Street and Fort Street) Time: July 3, 2021 from 1:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

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

 

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

 

B) One Day Entertainment Licenses

1)         Applicant: Samantha Burnett, Organization: Rumford Little League

Location: Kimberly Rock Field, Time: Friday, June 25^th 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Type of Entertainment: BBQ and Movie Night

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

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

 

C) License to Solicit Applications

1)         Applicant: Kendra Ricci, Business: Trinity Solar (West Wareham, 02576)

 

Applicant not present. Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

D) Victualing Licenses

1)         Class 3 Applicant: Dennis Rodriguez, Business: InProgress Nutrition, LLC, Address: 1086 Willett Avenue, Unit 6

 

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

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

 

2)         Class 3 Applicant: Antonio Lopes, Business: Taste of Island, Address: 2777 Pawtucket Avenue

 

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

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

 

E) 60 Day Hawker Licenses

1)         Applicant: Keith Lambert, Business: New England Novelty, Address: 500 Taunton Avenue

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

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

 

F) Holiday Sales

1)         Applicant: Keith Lambert, Business: New England Novelty, Address: 500 Taunton Avenue

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

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

 

2)         Applicant: Dennis Rodriguez, Business: InProgress Nutrition, LLC., Address: 1086 Willett Avenue, Unit 6

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

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

 

XII. LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

1) Application for Liquor License: BV (Beer and Wine Service)

Applicant: Ruarri Miller, Business: Prould Mary’s DBA: Union Burrito, 332 Bullocks Point Avenue

Solicitor Marcello shared with the Council the updates regarding the legislative course that Mr. Miller was seeking approval to hold a full liquor license. The legislation passed in the House that same day of the Council meeting. This was still needing the Governor’s signature. Once signed by the Governor, this item will be then have a public hearing. NO MOTION. NO VOTE.

Member	Aye	Nay
Sousa
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Britto

 

XIII.    NEW BUSINESS

A)        COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

1.      Discussion: Supplemental Declaration Municipal Emergency, outdoor dining permit.  Temporary to permanent (Councilman Britto)

Possibility of making this permanent in East Providence. Zoning laws were brought up by   Councilman Cahoon and the possibly amended them. Councilman Mourato made mention of the Town of Bristol. Council Vice President made mention of reaching out to the Assistant City Solicitor Conley for additional guidance, based on his experience. Councilwoman Sousa made mention of the temporary/permanent permits and how it applies to the current Executive Order for the City.

 

2.      Review, discussion and final ratification of the collective bargaining agreement between the United Steelworkers Local 15509 and the City of East Providence - Effective 11/01/2020 to 10/31/2023

City Solicitor Marcello briefed the public of the specificities of the contract and those involved in the process. Directors Gonsalves, Moore, Santos, Solicitor Marcello were involved in the process. New City Hall hours, with 60 day notice. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

3.      Discussion: Bold Point Park Road Conditions and RFP for Park Improvements. (Councilwoman Sousa)

Councilwoman Sousa was present for this discussion item and addressed the public.

4.      Discussion and Update: monies allocated to the City of East Providence Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, (also known as the American Recovery Act (Councilman Mourato)

Councilman Mourato was present for this discussion item and addressed the public. Finance Director Moore and Gonsalves were also available.

5.      Discussion: Summit Street Traffic Study Report (Councilwoman Sousa)

Councilwoman Sousa was present for this discussion item and addressed the public. DPW   Director Daniel Borges was available.

6.      Discussion: First Street Bike Line Pilot Project and Alternatives (Councilwoman Sousa)

Councilwoman Sousa was present for this discussion item and addressed the public. DPW   Director Daniel Borges was available.

7.      Referral to the planning board for the following ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ZONING”

(Councilwoman Sousa) Section 19-453 (Open space zone change review process)

Councilwoman Sousa was present for this discussion item and addressed the public. DPW   Director Daniel Borges was available for conversation. Councilman Cahoon asked Solicitor Marcello asked if we can get input from DPW. Solicitor Marcello made the recommendation           vote to refer this to the Planning Board for recommendation.

Motion to refer for advisory opinion to the Planning Board by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

 

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

 

B)        COMMUNICATIONS – OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

1) Discussion Items

A) May 2021 – Capital/Expense Report Updates (Director Moore)

Mr. Moore was available for the Council and provided updates for the capital and expense report.

B) Sabin Point Water Quality/Improvements (Deputy DPW Director Skadberg)

Mr. Skadberg was present for the Council and provided updated regarding this topic.

C) Rose Larisa Seawall – FR Engineering was present for the Council and provided a presentation regarding the seawall.

D) First Street Project Presentation

Planning Director, William Fazioli, and DPW Director Borges were present and available for the Council, and provided a presentation.

E) Day of Portugal Proclamation (Director Gonsalves)

Announcement made by Mr. Gonsalves

F) Juneteenth Proclamation (Director Gonsalves)

Announcement made by Mr. Gonsalves

G) Executive Order 2021-013 Extension of Municipal Emergency – FOR VOTE

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

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

 

C)   REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1.      Auditing Standard No. 114 “The Auditors Communication with Those Charged with Governance” regarding audit of City of East Providence, RI (Malcolm Moore, Finance Director) - Attachment

Document accepted and acknowledged by Council.

2.       City Solicitor’s Report (Michael J. Marcello, City Solicitor)

City Solicitor Marcello briefed the public of the Executive Session claims report.

3.       Boards and Commissions Report (Samantha Burnett, City Clerk)

 Clerk, Samantha Burnett, updated the Council of recent application activity regarding the City’s Boards and Commissions.

 

D)  RESOLUTIONS    

1.      RESOLUTION DECLARING THE FIRST FRIDAY IN JUNE TO BE NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY (Councilman Cahoon)

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

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

 

Motion to extend meeting another 15 minutes by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0. Meeting extended 15 minutes.

 

2.      RESOLUTION REQUESTING RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPEUERS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (Councilman Mourato)

Motion to approve made by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0. Councilman Mourato requested the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett to forward this to the elected officials within East Providence.

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

 

3.      RESOLUTION REQUESTING IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN, CYCLIST AND DRIVER SAFETY IN THE WATCHEMOKET HISTORIC DISTRICT (Councilwoman Sousa)

Unanimous consent given to move this up on the docket in alignment with the Council Communication Item #6.

DPW Director, Dan Borges contributed to the conversation.

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato.

Councilwoman Sousa requested that this be sent to the Rhode Island Traffic Commission and state representatives. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

4.       RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO EAST PROVIDENCE CITY ORDINANCE SEC. 18-248 ENTITLED “AUTHORITY TO RESTRICT DIRECTIONOF MOVEMENT ON STREETS DURING CERTAIN PERIODS” REGARDING THE FIRST STREET BIKE LANE PILOT PROJECT (Council Vice President Rodericks)

Motion to approve resolution, not to exceed 30 days by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 3-2.

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

 

E) ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE

Full ordinances on ClerkBase, under 06/15/2021 agenda: https://www.clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri

 

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: 18-12 and 18-76 (Councilwoman Sousa)

No vote was taken and Councilwoman Sousa requested this be continued to the July 20, 2021 meeting.

Member	Aye	Nay
Sousa
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Britto

 

2.      AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ANIMALS” (Coyotes) Section 3-1 (Councilman Cahoon)

Adds Article VI

Motion to approve by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

3.       AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “POLICE” (Amending Section 12-18-6 related to minimum education requirements for police officers) (Council Vice President Rodericks)

Council Vice President Rodericks was present to introduced the ordinance and stated that he sponsored this ordinance for discussion purposes and doesn’t reflect of his approval or disapproval of the ordinance. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Officer, Elmer Pina, was present for the Council. Captain Floyd Gardner was present for the Council. Police Chief William Nebus was present for the Council.

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

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

 

F) ORDINANCES FOR SECOND, FINAL PASSAGE AND PUBLIC HEARING

1.       AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE REVISEDORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 1998A S AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION” (Council President Britto)

Public Hearing offered both on Zoom and in person. No one came forward to speak. Public Hearing was closed. Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

XI.       RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)

Council did not see it necessary to reconvene.

 

XII.     ADJOURNMENT

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

Member	Aye	Nay
Sousa	x
Cahoon	x
Mourato	x
Rodericks	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.