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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, December 19, 2023
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, Bob Rodericks – At Large
Council Vice-President: Frank Rego – Ward 1
Councilwoman Anna Sousa - Ward 2
Councilman Frank Fogarty - Ward 3
Councilman Rick Lawson - Ward 4
City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello
City Clerk, Jill Seppa
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Fogarty_____ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks__X___
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
III. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. Mark Hayward, Director United States Small Business Association to discuss opportunities and programs for small businesses impacted by the I-195 bridge closure
Mark Hayward reviewed the actions of the SBA in response to the bridge closure.
IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
A. New Claim / Sewer Abatement Reconsideration
1. Sonya Gendron
Claims Committee approved the recommendation to deny the claim. Councilman Lawson made the motion, Councilwoman Sousa seconded and all were in favor (4-0).
V. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
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Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____
VI. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | | |
| Council Vice President Rego | | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | | |
| Council President Rodericks | | |
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes November 21, 2023
2. Regular meeting minutes December 5, 2023
3. Executive Session minutes December 5, 2023
4. Regular meeting minutes December 12, 2023
VIII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C5
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | | |
| Council Vice President Rego | | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | | |
| Council President Rodericks | | |
B. Motion to approve licenses C1-C5
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | | |
| Council Vice President Rego | | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | | |
| Council President Rodericks | | |
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C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Victualling License III- (not more than 25 ppl)
Applicant: Melanie Santos
Business: Subway
Business Location: 80A Newport Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | 2nd, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
2. Sunday & Holidays
Applicant: Zekayi Kucukkaya
Business: Dark Star Comics II
Business address: 85 Taunton Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | 2nd, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
3. Second Hand; miscellaneous-new
Applicant: Zekayi Kucukkaya
Business: Dark Star Comics II
Business address: 85 Taunton Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | 2nd, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
4. Sundays & HolidaysWithdrawn by the applicant
Applicant: Joseph Dourado
Business: Joe’s Snack Shack
Business Address: 481 Warren Avenue
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| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | | |
| Council Vice President Rego | | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | | |
| Council President Rodericks | | |
5. Victualing III
Applicant: Joseph Dourado
Business: Joe’s Snack Shack
Business Address: 481 Warren Avenue
Withdrawn by applicant.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | | |
| Council Vice President Rego | | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | | |
| Council President Rodericks | | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING –
1. Class B – Full Liquor
Applicant: Monique Oliveira
Business: Union Square Bistro
Business address: 326 Bullocks Point Avenue
Monique Oliveira was present at the hearing.
Council Vice President recused on this item.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | Recuse | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | 2nd, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
2. Dance & Entertainment License
Applicant: Monique Oliveira
Business: Union Square Bistro
Business address: 326 Bullocks Point Avenue
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| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | 2nd, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
3. Dance & Entertainment License
Applicant: Robert Baptista III
Business: A Positive Atmosphere
Business Location: 65 Valley St
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion to Deny, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | Second, X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Recused | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
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.
Nancy Hale spoke on Climate Crisis and the importance of recyclables.
XI. APPOINTMENTS - none
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS –
1. Discussion and consideration of effect of I-195 bridge closure on the City of East Providence residents, businesses, emergency services (fire, rescue, police), Department of Public Works and related actions taken by the City – City Council
2. Veteran Advisory Committee recipient of tax donation on next year’s tax bill - discussion – Councilman Lawson
Councilman Lawson requested information regarding the donate option on tax collection invoices. Patricia Resendes reported that there is $12,445.00 remaining in the account.
3. Adopt Annual 2024 Meeting Schedule-vote- City Council
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| Tuesday January 9, 2024 | Tuesday August 6, 2024 |
| Tuesday January 23, 2024 | Tuesday August 20, 2024-Mayors Budget |
| Tuesday February 6, 2024 | Tuesday September 3, 2024 |
| Tuesday February 20, 2024 | Tuesday September 10, 2024 budget workshop |
| Tuesday March 5, 2024 | Tuesday September 17, 2024 |
| Tuesday March 19, 2024 | Tuesday September 24, 2024 budget workshop |
| Tuesday April 2, 2024 | Tuesday October 1, 2024 regular/budget hearing |
| Tuesday April 16, 2024 | Tuesday October 15, 2024 budget hearing |
| Tuesday May 7, 2024 | Tuesday October 22, 2024 |
| Tuesday May 21, 2024 | Tuesday November 5, 2024 |
| Tuesday June 4, 2024 | Tuesday November 19, 2024 |
| Tuesday June 18, 2024 | December 3, 2024 |
| Tuesday July 2, 2024 | Tuesday December 17, 2024 |
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | Second, X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - For discussion and possible vote
1. 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: Chapter 19 Amendments of East Providence Zoning Ordinance as attached hereto in their entirety; mandatory changes as required by state law and other changes related to outdoor dining and lot coverage for open space of education institutions
Councilman Lawson made the motion to approve all recommended zoning ordinance amendments less the city suggested regulations which will be reviewed at the next meeting. Councilwoman Sousa seconded and all were in favor.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
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XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
1. Update on schedule of Rumford Motel 100 Newport Avenue Show Cause Hearing- President Rodericks, Vice President Rego
Solicitor Marcello announced that the show cause hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2024 at 6:00pm.
XV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Appointment /Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation
John Braga, Zoning Board of Review, At Large Appointment, Term 6/6/23-6/5/28
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
2. Items for announcement/discussion
· Update on South Broadway Paving– DPW Dir. Dan Borges/DPW Deputy Dir. Erik Skadberg
· Update on Lee Road – Riviera Apartments Runoff – DPW Dir. Dan Borges
Dan Borges reviewed projects.
· 2796 Pawtucket Avenue (the old Wampanoag Diner) – Planning Dept. reaching out to the owner Richard Palumbo of King Richard Auto
· Empty lot at corner of Pawtucket Avenue and Howland (Map 308, Lot 13, Parcel 6) – reaching out to the owner, which is a corporation out of Indiana to inquire on the plans for that lot. We are seeking to work with property owner on deeding or selling the lot to the City to be used by Kent Heights School for pickup and drop off.
· Update on 100 Wampanoag Trail Map 408, Block 10, Parcel 024-00
Wampanoag Trail under receivership.
· Kent Field improvements – discussion and feasibility of concession stand/permanent bathroom
2. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
a. Report of City Solicitor
i. Claims Committee Report
3. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
a. School committee meeting updates
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4. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote.
1. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to purchase a fourteen passenger bus for the Department of Senior Services
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a plow truck with sander for the Department of Public Works; public building division
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a utility truck and body for the Department of Public Works; water utility division
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
5. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence amending ordinance Chapter 911 and reallocating and reappropriating up to $1,000,000 toward Kent Heights recreational facility improvement project and $1,000,000 toward improvements to the infrastructure of sewers and drains citywide
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Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds
Sponsor: Councilman Fogerty & Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
2. An Ordinance of the Council of the City of East Providence amending ordinance Chapter 894 appropriating up to $50,000 for a Citywide Utility Art Box Project
Summary: as funded by Federal ARPA funds, cross reference Resolution No. 73
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Councilman Fogarty | | |
| Councilman Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Council Vice President Rego | X | |
| Councilwoman Sousa | Second, X | |
| Council President Rodericks | X | |
Approved by Council: February 6, 2024
Attest: __________________________
City Clerk