Click to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.

CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 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)

- Executive session canceled

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

A. 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

Cahoon_____ Mourato_____ Rodericks_____ Sousa _____ Britto_____

V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:

1. Joint City Council and School Committee meeting minutes May 2, 2022

2. Executive session minutes May 3, 2022

3. Regular meeting minutes May 3, 2022

- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to approve items 1 & 3 of 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

VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

- Motion made by Councilman Cahoon to bundle 7A1-7A3. 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 made by Councilman Cahoon to approve 7A1-7A3. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.

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

1. One Day Entertainment License - New

Applicant: Chrissy Rossi

Location: 809 Broadway

Date & Time of Function: June 11, 2022, 6:00PM – 8:00PM

Type of Entertainment: DJ

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

2. Block Party

Applicant: James DeFayette

Applicant Location: Corner of Harlem Street and Hood Avenue; Harlem Street and Miller Street

Date & Time of Function: July 3, 2022, 11AM – 10PM

Street to be closed: No street closure

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

3. Road Race

Applicant: William Tregaskis

Location: 201 Mercer Street, Pierce Field

Date & Time of Event: June 25, 2022, 8:00AM

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

B. PUBLIC HEARING

VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

A. Proclamation

1. Casey Brown – National Nurse Day

- Council President Britto requests to have this item moved to the next Council meeting on June 7, 2022

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	Docket Item
Jane Crevier	Metacomet
Ellen Lowell	Metacomet
Kate Pezzullo	Metacomet
David O’Connell	Metacomet
Mike Teipel	Metacomet
Heather Andrade	Metacomet
Rob McNelis	Metacomet
Chrissy Rossi	Memorial Day Parade
Rick Lawson	Schools/Education/Police Week
Dr. Ashley Lincoln	Riverside Overlay
Linda Leite	Metacomet

- Jane Crevier handed a petition consisting of 22 pages to Deputy City Clerk Leah Stoddard to be entered into the record, this is titled exhibit A

- Ellen Lowell handed a petition consisting of 9 pages to Deputy City Clerk Leah Stoddard to be entered into the record, this is titled exhibit B

- Mike Teipel handed a petition consisting of 17 pages to Deputy City Clerk Leah Stoddard to be entered into the record, this is titled exhibit C

- Heather Andrade handed a petition consisting of 22 pages to Deputy City Clerk Leah Stoddard to be entered into the record, this is titled exhibit D

XI. APPOINTMENTS – None

XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS

1. Townie Pride Park – Begin to beautify and build a tranquil environment for all genders – Discussion – Councilwoman Sousa

- Councilwoman Sousa discusses her vision of Townie Pride Park. Deputy Director of DPW Erik Skadberg speaks and states that there are plans three fountains and a gazebo

2. Request that the Administration seek a traffic study by RIDOT on Warren Avenue headed toward County Street for a designated left turn only lane as you approach the traffic light in front of Honey Dew Donuts and Lucky’s Bar – Discussion – Councilwoman Sousa

- Councilwoman Sousa speaks to the issues and concerns at this intersection. Deputy Director Erik Skadberg stated a letter was submitted to RIDOT asking for suggestions for improvements of the intersection

3. Hunts Mill Bridge closure. Request for DPW to engage in conversation w/DOT for pedestrian walkway while bridge is closed – Information only – Council President Britto

- Council President Britto discusses the need for a pedestrian walkway during the bridge closure

- Added to the Council Member communications by Councilman Mourato is the discussion of a donation from the council to the American Legion for the memorial day parade.

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

1. 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

- Madeline Marlow spoke during the public hearing

- 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

XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS

XV. NEW BUSINESS

A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

1. Appointment requiring Council Confirmation

a. Michelle Saucier Rockwell to the Planning Board, Ward 1 Seat, term 01/16/2022-01/15/2027

- 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

B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1. Report of the City Solicitor

a. Claims Committee Report

- No claims committee report due to executive session being canceled

C. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1. Resolution recognizing Michael Pereira for having reached the rank of Eagle Scout

Sponsor: Council President Britto

- Motion to approve C1-C3 as read 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 recognizing Matthew Lloyd for having reached the rank of Eagle Scout

Sponsor: Council President Britto

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

3. Resolution recognizing Andrew Langille for having reached the rank of Eagle Scout

Sponsor: Council President Britto

Member	Aye	Nay
Cahoon
Mourato
Rodericks
Sousa
Britto

4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for the purchase of a John Deere backhoe for the Department of Public Works Highway Division

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

5. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for the construction of a parking lot at the Riverside Middle School

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks

- Deputy Director of DPW Erik Skadberg states the delay was due to pending DEM approval and the project should start in the summer and complete by fall

- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rodericks. Motion seconded by Councilman Cahoon. Motion passes 4-1.

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

6. Resolution Pursuant to R.I.G.L §17-19-7 for local ballot question on November 8, 2022 related to eminent domain of property within the City of East Providence – Metacomet

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa & Councilman Mourato

- Motion to approve 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

7. Resolution memorializing the General Assembly to enact legislation authorizing the City of Eat Providence, with the approval of the qualified electors, to issue not to exceed $148,000,000 general obligation bonds, notes and construction, renovation, improvement, alteration, repair furnishing and equipping of schools and school facilities in the City, subject to approval of state housing aid at a reimbursement rate or state share ratio of not less than 48.5% for expenditures eligible for state aid and provided that the authorization shall be reduced by any grant received from the school building authority capital fund

Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon

- Sam Bradnard and Superintendent Crowley speak about the project

- 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

D. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote

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”

Summary: Tracking, acquisition, enforcement and penalties for persons licensed for metal transactions

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rodericks

- Motion to approve made 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. 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: Main Street and Neighborhood Center overlay districts

Sponsor: Councilman Cahoon and Councilman Mourato

- Planning Director William Fazioli speaks about the overlay

- Rourri Miller speaks during public comment

- Motion to approve first and final passage 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

3. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 14 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Streets and Sidewalks”

Summary: To establish minimum standards for the use of native plants on city property and to promote plant species diversity

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

- Motion to add Councilwoman Sousa’s information about eminent domain to the record 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 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

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.