CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 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, 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

 

The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session, pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)

 

A. New Claims

1. Donnalee Boisseau

2. Carolyn Guarino

3. Miguel & Maryann Graca

 

B. Claims for reconsideration

1. Heather Poor

 

C. RIGL 42-46-5 (3) Discussion regarding the matter of security included but not limited to the deployment of security personnel and devices related to East Providence Public Schools

-          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

 

IV.       RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

 

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 June 21, 2022

           

B. LETTERS

1. Notice of New Property Number, Providence & Worcester RR CO., 263 Ferris Avenue (02916), Map 502, Block 5, Parcel 030.00

2. Notice of New Property Number, Edgewood Developers LLC, 360 Newman Avenue (02916), Map 603, Block 4, Parcel 018.10

 

C. TAX ABATEMENTS

 

Year	Amount
2022	$18,639.32
Total	$18,639.32

 

D. PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PERMITS/LICENSES (READ IN)

 

1. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Kimberly DeBarros

Location: 114 Crescent View Avenue, 02915

            Date & Time of Function: July 3, 2022, 4:00pm- 8:00pm

Type of Entertainment: Small band

 

2. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Lia Stuhlsatz

            Location: 262 Pawtucket Avenue, 02914

            Date & Time of Function: July 3, 2022, 6:00pm- 10:00pm

Type of Entertainment: Live band

 

 

3. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Berta Cunha 

            Location: 137 Anthony Street, 02914

            Date & Time of Function: July 2, 2022, 1:00pm- 11:00pm

Type of Entertainment: Singer/DJ

 

 

4. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Rob Armstrong

            Location: 187 N. Brow Street, 02914, Sacred Cow

            Date & Time of Function: July 10, 2022, 4:30pm- 8:30pm

Type of Entertainment: Food Trucks and live music

 

5. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Ronny Pereira

            Location: 187 Waterman Avenue, 02914

            Date & Time of Function: July 16, 2022, 4:00pm- 10:00am

Type of Entertainment: Food Trucks and live music

 

-          Motion made by Council vice President Rodericks to approve the consent calendar.  Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon.  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. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C18

 

-          Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to bundle.  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. Motion to approve licenses C1-C18

 

-          Motion to approve bundle 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

 

C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

 

1. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: NTRA NTRA (Narragansett Terrace Realty Assn)

Location: 0 Riverside Drive, 02915

Date & Time of Function: September 11, 2022, 4pm – 8pm

Type of Entertainment: Live folk music, recorded pop music

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

2. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Joseph A. Braga

Location: 846 Broadway, 02914, Holy Ghost Brotherhood

Date & Time of Function: July 22, 2022 - July 24, 2022, 7:00pm – 12:00am

Type of Entertainment: Live band and DJ

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

3. Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage

Applicant: Joseph A. Braga

Location: 846 Broadway, 02914, Holy Ghost Brotherhood

Date & Time of Function: July 22, 2022 - July 24, 2022, 7:00pm – 12:00am

Type of Event: Feast

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

4. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Rob Armstrong

Location: 187 N. Brow Street, 02914, Sacred Cow

Date & Time of Function: August 7, 2022, 4:30pm – 8:30pm

Type of Entertainment: Live performer

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

5. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Rob Armstrong

Location: 187 N. Brow Street, 02914, Sacred Cow

Date & Time of Function: August 21, 2022, 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Type of Entertainment: DJ

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

6. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Rob Armstrong

Location: 187 N. Brow Street, 02914, Sacred Cow

Date & Time of Function: September 4, 2022, 4:30pm – 8:30pm

Type of Entertainment: Live music

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

7. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Tara Machado

Location: 79 Narragansett Avenue, 02915

Date & Time of Function: September 4, 2022, 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Type of Entertainment: Live band

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

8. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Jennifer Damiani

Location: 44 Arnold Street, 02915

Date & Time of Function: August 6, 2022, 3:00pm – 11:00pm

Type of Entertainment: DJ

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

9. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Cesar Alejo

Location: 41 Follett Street, 02914

Date & Time of Function: September 4, 2022, 2:00pm – 12:00pm

Type of Entertainment: Live band

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

10. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Jennifer Terceira

Location: 59 Brightridge Avenue, 02914

Date & Time of Function: October 8, 2022, 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Type of Entertainment: Music

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

11. Block Party

Applicant: Rob Armstrong

Applicant Location:187 N. Brow Street, 02914, Sacred Cow

Date & Time of Function: August 21, 2022, 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Street to be closed: Corner of Cross Street and N. Brow Street

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

12. Block Party

Applicant: NTRA NTRA (Narragansett Terrace Realty Assn)

Applicant Location:0 Riverside Drive, 02915

Date & Time of Function: September 11, 2022, 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Street to be closed: Riverside Drive from Ocean Avenue to Sea View Avenue; Sea View Avenue from Riverside Drive to Bullocks Point Avenue

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

13. Application for Victualing – Class 3- New

Applicant: Miriam Ross

Business Name: Hanuka Group LLC dba Buns Bakery

Business Address: 63-65 Commercial Way

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

14. Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Domenic Daniel

Business Name: The Daily Grind

Business Address: 654 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

15. Application for license to solicit – New

Applicant: Robert Chapman

Business Name: 0 Taunton Avenue

Business Address: 111 Roffee Street, Barrington, RI 02806

Hours: 10:00am-8:30pm Monday – Friday

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

16. Application for Holiday Sales - New

Applicant: Sokon Pao

Business Name: Sally Nail and Spa

Business Address: 45 Newport Avenue, 02916

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

17.  Application for Victualing License – Class 1 – Transfer

Transfer from: Saz Inc. dba Town Pizza

Transfer to: TTLE Restaurant, Inc dba Town Pizza

Location: 949 Willett Avenue, 02915

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

18. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Pamela Gaglia

Location: 53 Allen Avenue, 02915

Date & Time of Function: 07/23/2022, 3:00pm – 10:00pm

Type of Entertainment: One man band

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

 

B. PUBLIC HEARING

 

1. BV Liqour License – Transfer

Transfer from: Saz Inc. dba Town Pizza

Transfer to: Saz Inc. dba Town Pizza

Location: 949 Willett Avenue, 02915

 

-          Motion to approve made by Councilman Cahoon.  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.  BV License – New

Applicant: Rong Guo

Business Name: Yama Fuji II

Business Address: 1080 Willett Avenue Unit 5, 02915

 

-          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

 

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.

 

1. Water billing issue and sewer fee – William M. Lewis

 

-          William Lewis was unable to attend

 

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	Docket Item
Pyara Meyer	Cannabis Retail License

 

XI.       APPOINTMENTS - None

 

XII.     COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

1. Referendum question 2022 November election, “Shall new cannabis-related licenses for business involved in the cultivation, manufacture, laboratory testing, and for the retail sale of adult recreational use cannabis be issued in the city (or town)?” – Next step to place on ballot Councilwoman Sousa – Discussion

 

-          Councilwoman Sousa explains the purpose and significance of placing the referendum on the ballot

 

2. Seeking multiple crosswalks with pedestrians lights for safe pedestrian and cyclist’s connection from First Street to South Broadway that across Veterans Parkway to access the East Bay Bike Path – Councilwoman Sousa – Discussion

 

-          Councilwoman Sousa asks DPW Director Daniel Borges to speak to the options available.  Director Borges explains there is a meeting with the State pertaining to this area on Thursday July 21, 2022

 

3. Marsh, Abbott, Humphrey and State Street community meeting July 31 Topic : recently awarded federal funds for homeowners option for buyout – Councilwoman Sousa – Discussion

 

-          Councilwoman Sousa speaks to the grant funding available and states she will keep the public informed as to when the next meeting will be

 

4. Enforcement of the short term rental and illegal motorized vehicles/mini dirt bikes – Councilman Mourato and Councilwoman Sousa – Discussion

 

-          Councilman Mourato and Councilwoman Sousa ask that the illegal motorized vehicles be placed on the next docket and have Chief Francesconi respond to the measures being taken.  Councilman Mourato states he will contact Assistant Solicitor Conley in reference to short term rentals

 

5. Transition Silver Spring Avenue between Progress Avenue and Dodge Street to a one-way street heading toward Dodge Street only on school day arrival and dismissal times – Council Vice President Rodericks – Discussion

 

-          Council Vice President Rodericks asks DPW Director Daniel Borges to explain the signage.  Director Borges states there will be new signs put up that will have a bright background versus the white background for better visibility. 

 

6. Tax status of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island Inc.’s non-profit 501(C)(3) located at 1017 Waterman Avenue – Council Vice President Rodericks – Discussion

 

-          Council Vice President states he is working with the tax department and the legal department to ensure this takes place via resolution

 

7. Update on the East Providence High School building project – Councilman Cahoon – Discussion

 

-          Councilman Cahoon briefs the public on the progress of the project

 

XIII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second passage - For discussion and possible vote

 

A. First and Final Passage

1. An ordinance to amend chapter 19 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Zoning”

Requested by: Bianco Realty Associates, LLC

Summary: Parcel 060.00 on Assessor’s Map 512, Block 22 (697-699 Willett Avenue) presently located in a Residential-3 (R-3) District is hereby changed to be included in a Residential-3 (R-3) and Commercial-2 (C-2) District

 

-          Kathleen Cooke and Darlene Hall, residents, expresses her concerns about allowing a drive-thru, cigar lounge or microbrewery in the location

 

-          Motion to amend ordinance to state no drive-thru, no cigar lounge and no microbrewery by Councilman Mourato.  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 approve amendment made by Councilman Mourato.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.  Motion passes 5-0.

 

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

 

B. Second Passage

1. Amended and restated ordinance Chapter No. (Ch. 832, Book 23, pages 364-270, Adopted March 15, 2022)

Adopting an amended East Providence waterfront special development district tax increment financing plan (The “Amended Project Plan”) and authorizing the issuance of bonds to finance certain public infrastructure and public improvements necessary in connection with the East Point Site Project

Sponsor: Council President Britto, Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Council President Britto recuses himself

 

-          Motion to approve amendment made by Councilman Mourato.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.  Motion passes 4-0.

 

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

 

XIV.    CONTINUED BUSINESS – None

 

XV.     NEW BUSINESS

A.        MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

           

            1. Appointment not requiring Council confirmation

 

a. Reappointment of William Fazioli to Chariman of East Providence Waterfront Commission with approval by Governor Daniel McKee, term June 6, 2022 – June 5, 2026

 

-          Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves reads the qualifications of William Fazioli

 

            2. Items for announcement/discussion

 

a. State Street flooding – letter to council regarding the history of flooding in the neighborhood and recent announcement of funds for residents’ voluntary buyout – Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves

 

-          Director of Administration explains the flooding of the neigborhood

 

b. June 2022 General Fund expenses/Capital expenses – Director of Finance Malcolm Moore

 

-          Finance Director Malcolm Moore explains the June 2022 budget

 

B.        REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS  

 

1. Report of the City Solicitor

                       

                        a. Claims Committee Report

                       

-          Solicitor Michael Marcello reads claims committee report

 

            2. Acting Library Director Meredith Bonds-Harmon

                                   

a. Introduction of board members from the East Providence Library Foundation

 

-          Michael Carlozzi introduces himself and the board to the Councilmembers

 

C.        RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

 

1. Resolution authorizing the Police Department of the City of East Providence to collaborate with non-adjacent Rhode Island Municipalities and Police Departments through a proposed and amended statewide mutual aid agreement

Sponsor: Council President Britto

 

-          Motion to approve amendment made by Councilman Mourato.  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 Mayor to enter into a contract with Clifton Larson Allen LLP for auditing services

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks and Councilman Cahoon

 

-          Motion to approve amendment 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

 

3. Resolution authorizing the use of previous approved bond funds for street light conversion and other lighting projects

Sponsor: Council President Britto

 

-          Motion to approve amendment 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. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract amendment with GZA Geoenvironmental, Inc. for continued engineering and consulting services  and construction related to the Runnins River Tributary Restoration Project

Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon & Councilwoman Sousa

 

-          Motion to approve amendment 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

 

5. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Hartford Paving Corporation for the Capital Sidewalk Improvement Program 2021-2022 project

Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon

           

-          Councilwoman Sousa is added as a sponsor to this resolution

 

-          Motion to approve amendment 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

 

6. Resolution authorizing a November 8, 2022 ballot initiative related to licensing of cannabis related business in the City of East Providence per the Rhode Island Cannabis Act

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

 

-          Motion to approve amendment made by Councilwoman Sousa.  Motion seconded by Councilman Mourato.  Motion passes 4-0.

 

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

 

D.        INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote - None

 

XVII.  ADJOURNMENT

 

-          Motion to approve amendment 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.