CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES/JOURNAL-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 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

 

REGARDING PUBLIC COMMENT

In addition, written public comment on any agenda item can be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 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 and requested the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett to produce a roll call. All members were present, for the exception of Councilwoman Sousa.

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

Motion to go into 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.     Claims

 

New Claims

1. Joseph Doyle

2. Stephanie Rodrigues

3. Deborah A Russell

 

III.       OPEN SESSION

Council President declares Open Session and requests the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett to produce a roll call. All members are present for the exception of Councilwoman Sousa.

IV.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Council President Britto led the Pledge of Allegiance.

V.        MOTION TO SEAL MINUTES FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to seal the minutes from 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

 

VI.       APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR

 

A.        COUNCIL  JOURNALS:

MARCH 2, 2021 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES

AUGUST 11, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING NOTES

 

Motion to approve the Consent Calendar 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

 

VII. COMMUNICATIONS

A)  Discussion of Keep Metacomet Green vs. East Providence City Council during Council's Open Session,  March 2, 2021- Candy Seel

Candy Seel was present to speak. Ms. Seel addressed the above issue with the Council.

 

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.

 

Alex Evans exercised their right to speak regarding being in favor of the development of Metacomet and also addressed recycling in the City.

 

Rick Lawson exercised their right to speak regarding Metacomet through submission of an email to the City Clerk, Samantha Burnett, whom read it on his behalf.

 

VIII. MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS WITH COUNCIL CONFIRMATION

 

1.       Angie Lovegrove: Affirmative Action Committee

This item was not voted on. No further action or vote was taken.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

IX.       LICENSES REQURING PUBLIC HEARING

 

1.       BVL: Café Praca LLC DBA as Café Zara  (Please confirm adv; if done, post as a public hearing)

Applicant: Levi Medina

Address: 130 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

As advertised in The East Providence Post on: February 25 and March 4, 2021

 

This item was tabled until April 6, 2021 due to the need for a radius check (200 feet or less from a church). Public Hearing was still offered. George Manyon, resident, spoke in favor of this license.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

X.        LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

 

1.       Papa John’s - Victualing License, Class 3

45-B Newport Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916

Motion to approve 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.       Papa John’s - Holiday Sales

45-B Newport Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916

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

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

 

XI.       NEW BUSINESS

 

a) COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

1.       Pandemic Update, Discussion Only – Council Vice President Rodericks

Council Vice President Rodericks was present for this item and provided updates to the public.

2.       Sidewalk Repair Update – Councilman Cahoon

Councilman Cahoon tabled this conversation to the April 6, 2021 meeting.

3.       Boards and Commissions Update – Councilman Cahoon

Councilman Cahoon was present for this discussion item. City Clerk, Samantha Burnett, contributed to the conversation and stated she will be able to provide updates by the next Council meeting.

 

 

b)   COMMUNICATIONS – OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

1.       Capital/Expense Report – Through the Mayor by Finance Director, Malcolm Moore

Finance Director, Malcolm Moore, was present for the Council and provided a financial update on the Capital and Expenses for the City.

2.       Bristol County Water Authority (BCWA) Emergency Pipeline Construction and Timeline (Phase

Patricia Resendes was present from the administration and provided an update for the Council.

3.       Improper Recycling, Enforcement and Cost to Taxpayers

Patricia Resendes was present from the administration and provided information regarding this topic.

4.       Tree Planting Pilot Program

Patricia Resendes was present from the administration and provided information regarding this topic.

5.       Update on Vaccination Clinic Regional Pod

Patricia Resendes was present from the administration and provided information regarding this topic.

6.       Proclamation – Women's History Month – Communication only.

7.       Proclamation – Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – Communication only.

8.       Reappointment of Maria Luci Stoddard to the East Providence Housing Authority (Communication Only) - Communication only.

9.       Executive Order 2021-010 (Extension of Municipal Emergency)

Patricia Resendes was present from the administration and provided information regarding this topic. Councilman Cahoon made the motion to approve and extend through April 20, 2021. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

 

c)   REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

 

1.       Handicap Parking Spot, located at 92 Hall Street, 02914 – recommendation by Interim DPW Director, Erik Skadberg

*Item tabled from 3/2/2021 through Councilwoman Sousa  

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

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

 

2.       Handicap Parking Spot, located at 32 Sixth Street, 02914 - recommendation by: DPW Director, Dan Borges

Tabled to the April 6, 2021 Council meeting. No further vote or action taken.

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

3.       City Clerk Update: Boards and Commissions –City Clerk,  Samantha Burnett

City Clerk, Samantha Burnett was present and provided an update on this item previously hrough Councilman Cahoon’s discussion item on the same topic.

4.       City Solicitor Claims Report – Solicitor Michael Marcello

            Solicitor Marcello was present and provided the results from the Claims Report held in Executive Session.

 

 

d)   RESOLUTIONS

Full resolutions on ClerkBase, under 03/16/2021 agenda: https://www.clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri

 

1.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT

FOR THE PURCHASE OF LOCKERS FOR THE POLICE STATION

Council President Britto

Council President Britto presented this resolution to the Council. This will be financed through the Google Forfeiture Fund. 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.       RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A STAKE BODY TRUCK

Council President Britto

Council President Britto presented this resolution to the Council. Battalion Chief, John Carney of the East Providence Fire Department was available for the Council. Malcolm Moore, Finance Director was also present. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

3.       JOINT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING NARRAGANSETT BAY COYOTE STUDY’S “CONDOS FOR CATS” PROPOSAL

Councilman Cahoon and Council Vice President Rodericks

Minutes reflected to update the co-sponsor to include Council Vice President Rodericks.   Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

4.       RESOLUTION REQUESTING TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES INTERSECTION BETWEEN BROADWAY, FREEBORN AVENUE, ANDINTERSTATE 195 WEST OFF RAMP EXIT 2

Councilwoman Sousa

Motion to approved and forward to DOT made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously 5-0.

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

 

5.       RESOLUTION CREATING SAFER DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR MOBIL LITTLE LEAGUE PATRONS

Councilman Mourato and Council Vice President Rodericks

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

 

 

e) INTRODUCTION TO ORDINANCES FOR FIRST PASSAGE

Full ordinances on ClerkBase, under 03/16/2021 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”

Council President Britto

Motion to approve ordinance for first passage 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.       AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “UTILITIES.” (Sec. 17-36 Water Rates)

Councilman Cahoon

Motion to approve ordinance for first passage 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

 

3.       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” (Stop Sign at Viola Avenue and Pine Crest Drive, 02915)

Councilman Mourato

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

 

f) ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (AND PUBLIC HEARING)

Full ordinances on ClerkBase, under 03/16/2021 agenda: https://www.clerkshq.com/eastprovidence-ri

 

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

As advertised on The East Providence Post: March 4, 2021 and March 11, 2021.

Public Hearing was offered based on the amendments made. No one exercised the right to speak on this item. Public Hearing was closed. Amendments were made to this ordinance, which will move it back to first passage and will still require a second passage and a public hearing. Motion to amend the ordinance as provided in the packet and posted online. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

Motion to pass the ordinance as amended by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Council Vice President. Motion passes unanimously, 5-0.

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

 

XII.     RECONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)

The Council determined that this was not necessary.

XIII.    ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Mourato made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Cahoon seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. 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.