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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2022
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
Notice: The meeting will also be viewable live at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YEW6s1RpjcKR47VMil1LA
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, Dylan B. Conley
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
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2) litigation and collective bargaining
- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to enter into executive session. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
A. New Claims
1. Manuel DaSilva
2. Caroline Green
3. Jonathan Hernandez
4. Michael Manton
B. Sewer Abatements
1. Michael Davis
2. Diane Medeiros
3. Dennis Hallam
4. Albertino Milho
5. Robert Blaydes
6. Estela Rodrigues
C. Review, discussion and possible vote relating to a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and IBPO Local 569 concerning Patrol K-9 and Therapy/Comfort K-9 compensation related to care and comfort.
D. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation - Cheryl Curti vs. City of East Providence, R.I. Commission for Human Rights, RICHR No. 21 ESE 071-05/03
Discussion, update and possible vote to authorize compromise
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to reconvene to open session. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 5-0.
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 - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS
1. Regular meeting minutes March 15, 2022
2. Workshop meeting March 22, 2022
3. Special meeting March 29, 2022
2. Executive session minutes March 15, 2022
B. LETTERS
1. Notice of New Property Number, Jeffery Paiva, 112-114 Lyon Ave (02914), Map 107, Block 8, Parcel 008.00
C. TAX ABATEMENTS
| Year | Amount |
| 2017 | $214.03 |
| 2018 | $59.43 |
| 2021 | $110.82 |
| Total | $324.28 |
- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to approve the consent calendar, letters and tax abatements. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Application for Holiday Sales – New
Applicant: Amelia Olson
Business Name: Tall Tumbleweed LLC
Business Address: 273-279 Bullocks Point Ave. 02915
- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to approve. 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. PUBLIC HEARING – NONE
VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS - NONE
IX. COMMUNICATIONS – NONE
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.
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 | |
| Shirley Cloutier | Chicken issues |
| Pat Diminico | Chicken issues |
| Tracey Dancing Star | Pokanoket Tribe Resolution |
| Dr. William Guy | Pokanoket Tribe Resolution |
| Don Brown | Pokanoket Tribe Resolution |
| Harry Hawk Edmond | Pokanoket Tribe Resolution |
| Dr, David Weed | Pokanoket Tribe Resolution |
XI. APPOINTMENTS – NONE
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Discussion for a ballot question concerning eminent domain for the November 8, 2022 election; topic, procedures and timeline – Discussion only – Councilman Mourato and Councilwoman Sousa
- Councilwoman Sousa speaks about placing a question on the ballot in regards to eminent domain and discussed the time line to do so.
- Councilman Mourato spoke to eminent domain and potential uses
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - For discussion and possible vote – NONE
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS - For discussion and public comment
1. Review of first passage ordinance on Redistricting
a. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 2 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Administration”
Summary: The purpose of this Ordinance is to redraw the ward boundaries to comply with the results of the 2020 census.
- Assistant Solicitor Conley explains the Providence Journal did not advertise the ordinance correctly which is the reason for the public comment being held at this meeting.
- Council Vice President asks Deputy City Clerk Stoddard to explain the error of the Providence Journal
- No one approaches for public comment on the matter
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Appointment requiring Council Confirmation
a. Nicholas Oliver, reappointment to the East Providence Canvassing Board, term 03/02/2022-03/01/2028
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
b. Steven Santos, appointment to the East Providence Canvassing Board, alternate, term 03/01/2022-02/28/2028
- Director Gonsalves informs the Council that this applicant has withdrawn. Council President Britto confirms by accepting and acknowledging the withdrawal.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
c. Virginia DeFreitas, appointment to the East Providence Canvassing Board, alternate, term 03/01/2022-02/28/2028
- Motion to approve 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 | |
2. Items for Discussion
a. Sidewalk repair update – DPW Director Daniel Borges
- DPW Director Daniel Borges updates the council on the sidewalk repair project, stating that the work will focus on Pawtucket Avenue from the Senior Center to Veterans Memorial Parkway
- Councilman Mourato addresses the issues with the sidewalks on Bullocks Point Avenue
b. LED streetlight conversion update – DPW Director Daniel Borges
- DPW Director Daniel Borges updates the council on the progress with streetlight conversion
c. February Capital Expenses and Finances – Finance Director Malcolm Moore
- Director Napoleon Gonsalves informs the Council that Finance Director Malcolm Moore could not be in attendance
d. Bold Point Park agreement – Planning Director William Fazioli
- Planning Director William Fazioli states the 2022 season will start May 1st.
e. Greek Flag raising and proclamation in celebration of Greek Independence Day – Director Napoleon Gonsalves
- Director Gonsalves reads the proclamation for the celebration of Greek Independence Day
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Report of the Assistant City Solicitor
a. Claims Committee Report
- Assistant Solicitor Conley reads claims committee report
C. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution establishing the East Providence City Council Dog Park Advisory Committee
Sponsor: Council President Britto
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
2. Resolution acknowledging East Providence as a part of Sowams, the ancestral home of the Pokanoket Tribe
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Cahoon
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon. Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | X | |
| Mourato | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Britto | X | |
3. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the lease agreement between the City of East Providence and Live Nation Worldwide, Inc.
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks
- Motion to approve 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 | |
4. Resolution requesting the General Assembly authorize act related to the borrowing of up to 10 million dollars for a multi-purpose community recreation complex
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- Tabled to receive more information about current bonds from Malcolm and further discussion with possible workshop
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Cahoon | | |
| Mourato | | |
| Rodericks | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Britto | | |
D. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 13 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Public Places” (amending section 13-4a entitled “Smoking at public places”)
Summary: Prohibits the use of electronic nicotine delivery devices, or the use of combustible cannabis in public spaces
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve 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 | |
2. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 9 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Miscellaneous Offenses” (amending section 9-13 entitled (Sale of cigarettes by vending machine prohibited)
Summary: Prohibits the sale of tobacco products from vending machines to conform with State law.
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve 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. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 9 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Miscellaneous Offenses” (amending section 9-15 entitled “Purchase, sale or delivery of tobacco products to persons under 18 prohibited; notice of lase to be posted”
Summary: Summary: Change the age to purchase tobacco products in the form of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, electronic cigarettes or other forms of electronic nicotine delivery devices to 21 years of age and setting penalties in violation thereof
Sponsor: 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 | |
4. 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”
Summary: Establishes and requires all State license tobacco retailers in the City of East Providence to also obtain a City issued annual tobacco license with other posted notice requirements and penalties for violations
Sponsor: 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 | |
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to adjourn 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 | |
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.