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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, September 21, 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
- Councilman Cahoon is not present. Councilman Mourato, Council Vice President Rodericks, Councilwoman Sousa and Council President Britto are all present
Cahoon_____ 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 Councilwoman Sousa to enter into executive session. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session, pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
1. Claims and Sewer Abatements
· New Claims
- Stephen Enos
- Ikema Ezikpe
- Joseph LaGreca
- Gregory Silva
- Travelers Home & Marine Ins. Co. (Ins: Jennie Parmentier)
- Edward Vieira
2. Open Meetings Act Complaint
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation - Keep Metacomet Green vs. City of East Providence. Open Meetings Act complaint dated 9/14/2021
3. Mallinckrodt Bankruptcy Update
Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation -Prescription Opiate Litigation, Case No. 1:17-MD-2804
– Update and possible vote on proposed settlement
4. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(4) - Any investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct related to statements of the City Clerk concerning Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and procedure as stated during Public Comment at the 08/17/21 City Council meeting – Assistant City Solicitor Dylan
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION 
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to return to open session. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato.
Cahoon_____ Mourato__X___ Rodericks__X___ Sousa _X____ Britto__X___
V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINTUES
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to seal executive session minutes. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A) COUNCIL JOURNALS:
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to approve the meeting minutes for July 20, 2021 as unofficial minutes and to be posted as such. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
1. Regular meeting minutes July 20, 2021
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
2. Regular meeting minutes September 7, 2021
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to approve items 2 & 3 of the consent calendar as a blanket vote. Motion Seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
3. Budget Session meeting minutes September 8, 2021
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
B. Tax Abatements
| Year | Amount |
| 2021 | $9,003.58 |
| Total | $9,003.58 |
C. Previously Approved Permits/Licenses (Read In)
1. One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Abel Tavares
Location: 64 Apulia Street
Date & Time of Event: September 18, 2021 from 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Type of Entertainment: 50th Birthday Party
- Motion to approve tax abatements and previously approved permits/licenses made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vie President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
VII. LICENSES
A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Application for Bingo License
Applicant: Sacred Heart Church
Location: 118 Taunton Ave.
Date of Event: December 4, 2021
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
2. One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Brian Kacmarsky/Riverside Little League
Location: Ron Silva Baseball Complex
Date & Time of Event: September 25, 2021 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Type of Entertainment: acoustic guitar & vocal
- This item is not voted on, as the event has been canceled.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
3. Class F Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Stevie D’s Riverside Tavern
Location: Ron Silva Baseball Complex
Date & Time of Event: September 25, 2021, rain date 10/9/2021
Type of Event: Little League Fundraiser
- This item is not voted on, as the event has been canceled.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
4. One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Jessica Mayette DBA JDP Theatre Co.
Location: 1336 Pawtucket Ave.
Date & Time of Event: October 23, 2021 & October 30, 2021 from 4:00pm-7:00pm
Type of Entertainment: Small music and dance performance on lawn
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
5. Class F Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Jessica Mayette
Location: 1336 Pawtucket Ave.
Date & Time of Event: October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31
Type of Event: Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
6. Mobile Food Establishment License
Applicant: Bram Stebbings
Business: Handsome Sam (Limited Liability Company)
- Motion to have applicant appear at next council meeting and table item to next meeting by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
7. Application for Victualing License – Class 3
Applicant: Qiufu Billy Liu
Business: China Gourmet Inc.
Address: 656 Bullocks Point Ave.
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
8. Application for Holiday Sales
Applicant: Qiufu Billy Liu
Business: China Gourmet Inc.
Address: 656 Bullocks Point Ave.
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
9. One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Dominique Abatecola
Location: 625 Taunton Ave.
Date & Time of Event: October 17, 2021 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Type of Entertainment: DJ
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
10. Class F-1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Maryellen Girard
Location: 10 Tripps Lane
Date & Time of Event: September 22, 2021
Type of Event: Donor Celebration
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
B. LICENSING REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING - None
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. Community Family Friendly 5K race date change – Nick Rebar
Original date – September 26, 2021; new date – October 24, 2021
Start and finish location: Greenwood Avenue at Rumford Center
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
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 |
| Lorna Steele | Chicken Ordinance |
| Patrick Fahey | Chicken Ordinance |
| Beth Galligan & Kathy Ribeiro | Chicken Ordinance |
| Ruarri Miller & Thaddeus Miller | Chicken Ordinance |
| Nicole Grant & Jeffrey Grant | Chicken Ordinance |
- A phone call was received by the Deputy City Clerk on September 21, 2021 from Maureen Emmitt in favor of the chicken ordinance.
- Deputy City Clerk, Leah Stoddard, informs Council President Britto that 7 emails were received in favor of the chiken ordinance.
- Council President Britto requested the emails be placed into the record.
XI. APPOINTMENTS
1. Library Board – Reappointment - Elizabeth Ingraham, term to expire 10/20/2024
Council President Britto
- Motion to approve both Elizabeth Ingraham and Kathy Dias in blanket vote made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
2. Library Board – Reappointment - Kathy Dias, term to expire 10/20/2024
Council President Britto
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Request to rescind Scorpio Towing application for wrecking/towing license Sec. 8 - 523 – Vote
Councilman Mourato
- Motion to rescind and have applicant refile when all documentation and steps are completed made by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
- Councilman Cahoon arrives at 8:21pm.
2. Community Meeting September 23, 2021 at 6:00pm – Discussion Only
Councilman Mourato
- Councilman Mourato speaks to about the community meeting he will be holding on
September 23, 2021 at Weaver Library.
3. Chicken ordinance update as previously tabled on August 17, 2021– Discussion Only
Councilwoman Sousa
- Councilwoman Sousa speaks about the chicken ordinance.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Ordinance for second passage
1. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 18 - 307 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, RI, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”
Summary: moving the no parking sign from the south side of the street to the north side on Sunset Avenue. Special markings to be painted in designated areas.
Sponsor: Councilman Mourato
- Motion to strike the language in the current proposed ordnance and add the new language made by Councilman Mourato. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A) MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Proclamation declaring September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
2. EO-2021-015 – extension of municipal emergency (Dir. Napoleon Gonsalves)
3. Request for report of investigation findings regarding allegations made by City Clerk to be made public (Asst. Solicitor Dylan Conley)
4. Announcement of Halloween Car parade to be held on Oct. 30, 2021 (Dir. Napoleon Gonsalves)
5. Fall 2021 Comprehensive Plan Workshop Dates (Sept. 28, Sept. 30, Oct. 5, Oct. 7). All will be held at the Senior Center – 610 Waterman Ave. East Providence (William Fazioli)
6. Requests of the Administration before the Council for the Council Action - Executive order 2021-15 – Extension of Municipal Emergency
- Motion to deny extension made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion fails 2-3.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | X |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | | X |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | | X |
- Motion to accept extension 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 | |
7. Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of changes to traffic patterns as passed by the City Council on August 17, 2021 entitled "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"
- Director Napoleon Gonsalves speaks about disapproval. Councilwoman Sousa speaks to her concerns about the disapproval and the process taken to get to the disapproval.
- Vote to override the vetoed ordinance moved up on the docket at this time.
B) REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. DPW Director, Dan Borges
· Vote to approve handicapped parking request – 38 Baker Street
Requested by Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve 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. DPW Director, Dan Borges
· Vote to approve handicapped parking request – 128 Freeborn Avenue
- Motion to approve pending updated handicapped placard 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. Release of Assistant Solicitor Report related to allegations of City Clerk, Samantha Burnett
- Motion to table made by Councilman Mourato. Seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion fails 2-3.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | X |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | | X |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | | X |
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion passes 3-2
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | | X |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | | X |
| Britto | X | |
4. Report of the City Solicitor
· Claims Committee Report
- City Solicitor Marcello states the approved claims.
D) RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for audio/video and data storage for the police station
Sponsor: Council President Britto
- 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 | |
- Motion to continue the meeting for an additional 30 minutes due to the time being 10:00pm 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. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to convey property located at 1320 Pawtucket Avenue (Union Primary School)
Sponsor: Council President Britto & Council Vice President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motions passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
3. Resolution authorizing the assignment of a city-owned tower lease located at 301 Lyon Avenue
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motions passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
E) INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES – First 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: Change the 2-way stop at Dover and Howland into a 4-way stop.
Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon
- Motion to approve 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 | |
F) ORDINANCES VETOED BY THE MAYOR
1. City Council consideration and possible vote to override/sustain veto of the Mayor of 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" (Sec. 18-12. Changes to Traffic Patterns and Sec. 18-76. Authority to install traffic control devices).
- Motion to override the Mayors Veto made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion fails 2-3.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | X |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | | X |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | | X |
XVI. FISCAL YEAR 2022 PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEW
- Leslie Shattuck speaks and answers questions about her budget.
- City Council and City Clerk budgets are deferred to Wednesday, September 22, 2021 budget workshop.
1. Canvassing
2. City Council
3. City Clerk
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion made to adjourn 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, Samantha Burnett at 401.435.7596 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.