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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
Notice: The meeting will also be viewable live at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YEW6s1RpjcKR47VMil1LA
City Council:
Council President, Bob Rodericks – At Large
Council Vice-President: Frank Rego – Ward 1
Councilwoman Anna Sousa - Ward 2
Councilman Frank Forgarty - Ward 3
Councilman Rick Lawson - Ward 4
City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello
Deputy City Clerk, Leah Stoddard
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Fogarty__X___ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks__X___
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
- Salute to the flag completed
III. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes April 4, 2023
2. Executive session minutes April 4, 2023
B. TAX ABATEMENTS
| Year | Amount |
| 2021 | $1,794.07 |
| 2022 | $484.46 |
| Total | $2,278.53 |
- Motion to approve the consent calendar made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
IV. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C6
- Motion to bundle C1-C6 made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. Motion to approve licenses C1-C6
- Motion to approve C1 – C6 made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Christina Goldsmith
Business Name: Intentions by Christina
Business Address: 324-326 N Broadway, 02916
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Application for Victualing – Class 3- New
Applicant: Christina Goldsmith
Business Name: Intentions by Christina
Business Address: 324-326 N Broadway, 02916
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Manuel Sousa
Applicant Location: 51 N. Phillip Street, 02914, Phillip Street Hall (Feast)
Date & Time of Function: May 26, 2023- May 28, 2023, 6pm-12am
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Manuel Sousa
Applicant Location: 51 N. Phillip Street, 02914, Phillip Street Hall (Feast)
Date & Time of Function: May 26, 2023- May 28, 2023, 6pm-12am
Type of Entertainment: Live Bands
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Alex Mutzabaugh
Business Name: Keystone Novelties Distributors
Business Address: 40 Highland Ave, 02916
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Application for Hawker License
Applicant: Alex Mutzabaugh
Business Name: Keystone Novelties Distributors
Business Address: 40 Highland Ave, 02916
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING – None
V. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS – None
VI. 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.
VII. 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.
| Candy Seel | Metacomet Fiscal Analysis follow up |
VIII. APPOINTMENTS – None
IX. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Finance update: a) annual FY21 and FY22 audit b) utilization of OpenGov to track capital projects, city expenditures and position/salaries c) ARPA funding expenditures and remaining balance of ARPA funds – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- Director of Administration Gonsalves and Finance Director Moore mention the position and salaries are available in the new budget book addition.
- The FY21 audit is complete
- Councilman Lawson suggests portions of the ARPA funds be set aside for the parks, playgrounds and fields in the City of East Providence
- Council Vice President suggests portions of the ARPA funds be set aside for making the playgrounds more friendly for children with special needs.
- Councilwoman Sousa suggest the Seventh Street playground be used for children with special needs and also suggests the funds be used towards the art district
2. Allocation of ARPA funds: a) projects Council to consider be funded by ARPA funds b) amount of ARPA funds to be allocated to community center – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- Councilman Lawson proposes that the Community Center cost be revisited to reduce the cost of the project
3. Update on request for proposal (RFP) for Crescent Park concession project – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- DPW Deputy Director Erik Skadberg update states that the architect proposals have been narrowed down to 3 and the City will interview the architects next week.
- The proposal is for the concession building and event tent pad initial design
4. Acknowledgement of April as Autism Awareness Month – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Council Vice President Rego recognizes the following city and school employees for their recognition of and work towards Autism; Karen Costa, Chief Chris Francesconi, Sgt. Jamie Aceto, Community Relation Office Patrick Kelley, Fire Captain John Potvin
- Council Vice President Rego gifts an Autism Awareness packet
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second passage - 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”
Summary: Sec. 13-178, the purpose of this ordinance is to imposes a fine against a person or entity who transfers or assigns a facility permit granted by the recreation or parks division pursuant to their rules and regulations
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Motion approve by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS – None
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Items for announcement/discussion
a. March Finance update – Finance Director Malcolm Moore
- There are no questions from the Council
b. Arbor Day - Proclamation – Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves
- Director Gonsalves reads proclamation
c. Letter to Council in regards to fourth rescue - Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves
- Director Gonsalves reads letter from the Mayor in regards to the request for a fourth rescue
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS – None
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
- Councilman Lawson speaks to the building committee meeting, the post occupancy repair punch list has been set and Shawmut Design and Construction will be completing the work
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution authorizing the purchase of replacement turnout gear for the Fire Department
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty, Council Vice President Rego and Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with RISE Engineering for installation of exterior lighting improvements at the Senior Center
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Johnson Landscaping, Inc. for the Ailanthus Avenue parking lot and playground project
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract between the City of East Providence and Hart Engineering, Corp. for the East Providence Water Pollution Control Facility improvements and concrete lining project
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
5. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for assistance with engineering services during construction for the East Providence Water Pollution Control Facility improvements and concrete lining project
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote
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) To place a stop sign on Hoyt Avenue (northbound traffic) at its intersection with Wilson Avenue
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | 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.
Approved by Council: May 2, 2023
Attest: __________________________
City Clerk