CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, November 16, 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)

 

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

 

A. New Claims

1. Richard & Linda Pina

2. Jose Pinheiro

 

B. Sewer Charge Abatements

1. Jason Passalacqua

2. Joseph Furtado

3. Our Lady of Loreto Church

 

IV.       RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

Roll Call

 

Cahoon___X__ Mourato__X___ Rodericks_X____ Sousa _X____ Britto_X___

 

V.        MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

 

-          Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to seal executive session minutes.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.  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 2, 2021

 

2.  Tax Abatements

 

Year	Amount
2021	$143.73
Total	$143.73

 

-          Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to approve the consent calendar.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.  Motion passes 5-0.

 

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

 

B.  CORRESPONDENCE

1.  Resignation letter from Samantha Burnett

 

VII.     LICENSES

A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

 

-          Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to approve items 1-5.  Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks.  Motion passes 5-0.

 

1. Block Party

Applicant: Mayor’s Office

Location: Grove Avenue & Purchase Street

Date & Time of Function: 11/27/2021, 4:00pm – 7:00pm; Rain date 11/28/2021, 4:00pm-7:00pm

Street to be closed: The road closure will begin at the start of Grove Ave (where it meets Taunton Ave) and will end on Grove Ave in front of the City Hall Parking lot at the crosswalk (17 Grove Ave).

Additionally we will be closing off Purchase Street beginning where Purchase meets Taunton Ave and leading down Purchase stopping right before the entrance to the Sacred Heart School parking lot (56 Purchase St).

There will be posted warnings about “street closures ahead” at the intersections of N.Carpenter Street and Grove Ave as well as Purchase Street and Orchard Street.

 

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

 

2. Application for Tattoo Shop (permanent make-up)

Applicant: Anyeli Rivera

Business Name: Diamond Lash Boutique

Business Address: 330 N. Broadway, 02916

 

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

 

3.  Application for 60 day hawker license (general merchandise)

Applicant: Bridget Garrity

Business Name: Lily Deer Designs

 

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

 

4.  Application for Victualing License – Class 2

Applicant: Nick Rabar

Business Name: Honeybird, LLC dba Honeybird Kitchen & Cocktails

Business Address: 230 Massasoit Avenue, 02914

 

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

 

5.  Annual renewal of miscellaneous licenses authorization granting to renew subject licenses, excluding alcoholic beverage licenses, for year commencing December 1, 2021 upon application by licensee and approval by Chief of Police and, as required, by health inspector and other city officials.

 

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

 

B. PUBLIC HEARING

 

1.  Application for Dance/Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Tenisha Miller

Business Name: Town Pub dba Lorraines Girl, LLC

Business Address: 311 Taunton Avenue, 02914

 

-          Motion 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. BV License – New

Applicant: Hipolita Thimas

Business Name: Burrito Bowl

Business Address: 809 Broadway, 02914

 

-          Motion 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

 

3. BV License – New

Applicant: Nick Rabar

Business Name: Honeybird, LLC dba Honeybird Kitchen & Cocktails

Business Address: 230 Massasoit Avenue, 02914

 

-          Motion 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

 

VIII.    PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS - None

 

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.

 

A.  Gary Menissian – Road Race’s at Pierce Field

 

-          Not present

 

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.

 

Name	Topic
Edward Thimas	Did not approach when called
Robert McNelis	Kent Heights Playground
David Luiz	Kent Heights Playground
Alan D.	Kent Heights Playground
Heather P.	Kent Heights Playground
Elizabeth Coyle	Providence Ave. Playground

 

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 table 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.  School zone cameras clarification – Council Vice President Rodericks - Discussion only

-          Council Vice President Rodericks asked Chief Francesconi to approach and speak about the new school zone speed cameras.

 

XIII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

A. Ordinance for first and final passage

 

1.  An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 19 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “zoning”

Summary: The proposed amendment will allow for digital menu boards to be an allowed use when associated with a permitted drive-through operation, such as a fast food or bank drive-through facility. The digital menu board must comply with all of the other sign requirements such as zoning district, surface area, height and setbacks.

 

-          Lou C. approaches for public comment for a different matter, he was deferred to Director Gonsalves to speak about his concern.

 

-          Motion 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

 

B. Ordinances for second passage

 

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”

Summary: Sec. 18-269 (b) stop sign Arnold Street at Sprague Ave

Sponsor: Councilman Mourato

 

-          Motion made by Councilman Mourato.  Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks.  Motion passes 5-0.

 

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

 

2.  An ordinance in amendment of chapter 11 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended entitled “Personnel”

Summary: Amend Sec. 11-4 to allow personnel director to certify employment and promotional lists not acted upon by personnel hearing board within 14 days of their submission

Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Motion 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

 

3.  An ordinance in amendment of chapter 11 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended entitled “Personnel”

Summary:  Amend Sec. 11-26, 11-28, 11-30 and 11-31 related to the personnel board appointment, terms and membership to conform with the City Charter and other miscellaneous amendments.

Sponsor:  Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Motion 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

 

4.  .  An ordinance in amendment of chapter 11 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended entitled “Personnel”

Summary: To amend sec. 11-46 related to add additional grounds for discipline under the City code and modifies the number of votes necessary to discipline any council appointed officer or employee

Sponsor:  Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Motion 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

 

C. Public Hearing

 

1. Improvements to Kent Heights Park and Providence Avenue Park

Summary: Comments and suggestions on possible improvements to encourage the use of the parks for persons of all ages would assist the City’s efforts in securing the necessary funds from State and other funding agencies.

 

-          Bethany L. spoke about Providence Avenue Park

 

-          Director of Planning William Fazioli gave a presentation to the Council pertaining to Kent Heights Park and Providence Avenue Park

 

XIV.    CONTINUED BUSINESS

 

XV.     NEW BUSINESS

A.        MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.  Appointment requiring council confirmation

a.Craig A. McManus, appointment to the Economic Development Commission, Appointment/Seat 3, term 05/20/2019-05/19/2024

 

-          Motion 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

 

2.  Items for announcement/discussion

a. Memorial Tree Lighting/Holiday Celebration on Nov. 27, 2021 4pm-7pm with a rain date on Nov. 28. 2021.  Event will include visit from Santa, dance performances by local rockette dancers and singing by professional carolers, dozens of craft vendors, food vendors, raffles, barn fire and more.

 

-          Director Gonsalves speaks about the event

 

b. EP Veterans’ Memorial Expressway 60^th Anniversary Re-dedication held on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.  A total of 15 memorial bridges and exit are rededicated.  We’d like to thank Susan Cady and Nancy Moore for their dedication on this project and event.  We have entered into record an East Providence Military Honor Roll prepared by Ms. Cady.

 

-          Director Gonsalves speaks about the event

 

3.  Requests of the Administration before the Council for Council Action

 

a. Executive Order 2021-016 – Extension of Municipal Emergency

 

-          Director Gonsalves informs the council that the Administration is withdrawing this item to review it more extensively

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

B.        REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

 

1.  Report of the City Solicitor

a. Claims Committee Report

 

-          Solicitor Marcello reads claims report

 

b. RI Attorney General findings of KMG Inc. v. City of East Providence

 

-          Solicitor Marcello communicates the findings

-          Council President addresses the positive outcome of the findings

 

C.        RESOLUTIONS

 

1.  Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract between the City of East Providence and New England Foundation & Stabilization Company for the carousel stabilization project

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks

 

-          Motion 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.  Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Recreation Development Grant Program for improvements to the Kent Height Recreational Facility

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Motion 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.  Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Recreation Development Grant Program for a splash pad at Providence Avenue Park

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Motion made by Councilman 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

 

            D.        INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

 

XVII.  ADJOURNMENT

 

-          Motion to adjourn 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.