CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES/JOURNAL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 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

 

REGARDING PUBLIC COMMENT

In addition, written public comment on any agenda item can be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday,

March 2, 2020 in the following delivery methods:

Email the City Clerk at: sburnett@eastprovidenceri.gov

Deliver your written comment in person to the City Clerk no later than 4:00 p.m.

Location: City Hall 145 Taunton Avenue East Providence, Rhode Island 02914

 

IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC COMMENT VIA ZOOM, YOU MUST USE THE “RAISE HAND”

FUNCTION VIA ZOOM NO LATER THAN 6:45 P.M. TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE MODERATOR OF THE

MEETING.

 

I. CALL TO ORDER

Council President Britto called the meeting to order. Roll call was requested by Council President Britto for the City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett, to produce a roll call. At the time, Councilman Mourato, Council Vice President Rodericks and Council President Britto were present at the moment roll call took place. Shortly after the roll call, Councilman Cahoon joined the dais. Councilwoman Sousa was not present for items I. and II., but was present for Executive Session and the remainder of the meeting.

 

II. VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, PURSUANT TO R.I.G.L. 42-46-5 (a)(2) Litigation as listed under A & B below.

Council Vice President Rodericks made the motion to invoke Executive Session. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0, with Councilwoman Sousa absent for the vote.

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

 

A. Claims

1. Thomas H. Connelly, Jr.

B. Litigation:

 

1) 176 Narragansett Associates, LLC vs. Steven Hazard, in his capacity as Tax Assessor (C.A. No. PC-2016-4555; PC-2017-4661; PC-2018-0175; PC-2018-7068)

Discussion, review and vote on proposed Settlement Agreement.

 

2) Keep Metacomet Green vs. East Providence City Council (RI Attorney General Complaint Open Meeting Complaint 2/23/2021)

 

III. OPEN SESSION

Council President called for Open Session. All members were present. Roll call was produced by City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett.

 

IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Council President Britto led the Pledge.

 

V. MOTION TO SEAL MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to seal minutes 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

 

VI. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR

 

A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:

FEBRUARY 16, 2021 REGULAR SESSION

FEBRUARY 22, 2021 SPECIAL WORK SESSION

 

B. TAX ABATEMENTS:

YEAR	AMOUNT
2017	$77.17
2018	$120.35
2019	7,172.37
TOTAL:	$7,369.89

 

Motion to approve the Consent Calendar made 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

 

VII. COMMUNICATIONS

A) Gary Mennesian – Ocean State Multisport Race – Request for Approval October 2021 Race

Gary, from Ocean State Multisport was available for the Council. Council President Britto asked the City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett, if all paperwork has been turned in for this race. City Clerk Burnett did state that he has, including the COVID 19 plan. Motion to approve made by Councilman Mourato.

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

 

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.

No one signed up or requested public comment both in person or on Zoom.

 

VIII. APPOINTMENTS

A. Appointments Requiring City Council Approval

 

1. Reappointment of Ernie Germani to the Conservation Commission

Motion to approve 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

 

2. Reappointment of Keith Gonsalves to the Conservation Commission

Motion to approve 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

 

IX. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

APPLICATION FOR LAUNDRY/DRY CLEANERS AND TRANSFER:

CITY BUBBLES LAUDROMAT: 288 Warren Avenue, 02914

Transferor: Richard Coelho

Transferee: Mark Poirier

Mr. Poirier was present for the Council. Council President Britto asked the City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett if there all the paperwork had been submitted and complete. City Clerk Burnett stated they have. 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

 

X. NEW BUSINESS

a) COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

1. Black History Month Proclamation – Council President Britto

Council President Britto was available for the this item and read the Proclamation in its entirety. Council Vice President Rodericks did state that he would like to confirm this proclamation to a vote, and made a motion to confirm. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

 

2. Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration in East Providence - Zoom (March 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.) – Council President Britto

Council President Britto announced this event and the City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett also provided additional information about this event.

 

3. COVID-19 Vaccine Update for the City, Discussion only – Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President Rodericks was present for this discussion and provided informational updates on the present state of the vaccinations that are currently held at the Senior Center. He also provided information from Captain John Potvin of the East Providence Fire Department.

 

4. City Recreation Board Status, Discussion only – Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President Rodericks was present for this discussion and asked for clarification regarding this board. City Clerk Burnett stated that this is still a board that is in Onboard and can be revived. Also available was Director Gonsalves who was present to provide additional information regarding this board. City Clerk Burnett will work with the administration and also provide a list/report of the applications that have been validated.

 

5. Mixed Use Hub Overlay Districts Ordinance – Request for Council to refer to the Planning Board for an advisory opinion – Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa was present for this discussion. This will go to the Planning Board for their advisement and then brought back to the Council for a vote. Councilwoman Sousa made the motion to refer this ordinance to the Planning Board for recommendation. 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

 

b) COMMUNICATIONS – OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

 

1. Executive Order 2021-008 (Opening of East Providence COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic)-Communication only

Document received and included with the Council packet.

 

2. Letter of Introduction of DPW Director Daniel Borges - Communication only

Document received and included with the Council packet.

 

c) REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1. Handicap Parking Spot, located at 92 Hall Street, 02914 – Erik Skadberg

Tabled until the 3/16/2021 Council Meeting.

 

2. City Clerk Update – Samantha N. Burnett: Boards and Commissions and Business License Updates

City Clerk, Samantha N. Burnett shared updates from the Clerk’s office.

Request for City Recreation Board requested by Council Vice President Rodericks for the next Council meeting. City Clerk will revive the board in Onboard and Secretary of State.

 

3. Asst City Solicitor’s Report – Asst Solicitor Dylan Conley

Assistant Solicitor Conley provided a brief report of the Claims Report from Executive Session.

 

d) RESOLUTIONS

Full resolutions on ClerkBase, under 03/02/2021 agenda: https://www.clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri

 

1. REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR AND THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ALLOCATE $8 MILLION OF THE NEW STIMULUS MONEY TO AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

Council President Britto

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

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

 

2. RESOLUTION SEEKING GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO A TEN YEAR TAX TREATY WITH EXXON MOBIL OIL CORPORATION PURSUANT TO A PRIOR SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Council President Britto and Council Vice President Rodericks

Record to reflect co-sponsorship with Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion to approve 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

 

e) INTRODUCTION TO ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE

1. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 8 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS” Section 8-35

Council President Britto

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

Amendments were made and Council President Britto requested Assistant Solicitor Conley to amend as discussed.

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

 

f) ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (AND PUBLIC HEARING)

1. ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE APPROPRIATING $150,000 FOR THE SUPPORT OF CRESCENT PARK LOOFF CAROUSEL AND FACILITIES AS ADVERTISED ON 2/4 AND 2/11/2021

Councilman Mourato

Motion to approve made by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon.

Public hearing was offered on this ordinance. No one exercised their right to speak on this ordinance. Public Hearing was closed.

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 did not find it necessary to reconvene in Executive Session.

Councilman Cahoon welcomed two new Townies, boys, born to Mary and Seth Cahoon of Riverside.

 

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made 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

 

 

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.