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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 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 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
- Jaden Fudoro member of the Division 10U East Providence Townies
- Move to item VIII without objection
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. Andrew Florin
2. Richard J. Kohler, Sr.
3. Monica Lethbridge
4. Ashlyn Nordin
5. Catherine Moniz
6. Francisco Morales
7. Brent Mancuso (Office Recycling Solutions)
B. Sewer Abatements
1. Sochua Leiper
2. Virginia Terrien Bridal
3. Tara Rego/355 Realty
4. Anibal Catarina Teves
5. Peter & Maria Santos
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to enter into executive session. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Fogarty__X___ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks__X___
V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
- Motion to seal executive session minutes by Councilman Lawson. Seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
- Move to item XV, A1b without objection
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes February 7, 2023
2. Executive session minutes February 7, 2023
B. LETTERS
1. Notice of New Property Number, Storybook Homes, 80 Oxford Street (02914), Map 406, Block 1, Parcel 009.10
2. Notice of New Property Number, Zachary Mumbauer, 17 Rutland Street (02914), Map 207, Block 17, Parcel 020.0
3. Notice of New Property Number, Paulo & Maria DeSouza, 181-183 Warren Avenue (02914), Map 106, Block 28, Parcel 011.00
4. Notice of New Property Number, David Sisson & Ithohan Osyimwese, 50 Oxford Street (02914), Map 306, Block 11, Parcel 004.10
B. TAX ABATEMENTS
| Year | Amount |
| 2018 | $240.00 |
| 2019 | $141.90 |
| 2020 | $72.03 |
| 2021 | $246.75 |
| 2022 | $79.56 |
| Total | $780.24 |
- Motion made by Councilman Lawson to approve the consent calendar. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion Passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Sovuthea Oun
Business Name: We Stand The Social
Business Address: 174 Taunton Avenue, 02914
- Motion to approve number 1 and 2 as read by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passed 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Application for Tattoo Shop – New
Applicant: Sovuthea Oun
Business Name: We Stand The Social
Business Address: 174 Taunton Avenue, 02914
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Application for Victualing – Class 3- New
Applicant: Mario Lopo
Business Name: Forca Portugal
Business Address: 85-87 Taunton Avenue, 02914
- Motion to approve number 3 and 4 as read by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passed 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Mario Lopo
Business Name: Forca Portugal
Business Address: 85-87 Taunton Avenue, 02914
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Application for Victualing License – Class 1, Transfer
Transfer from: Jinxiang Chen, Hibachi Buffet, Inc. dba Hibachi Buffet
Business Name: 58A Newport, East Providence, RI 02914
Transfer to: Raymond Cheng, Newport Hibachi dba Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
- Motion to approve item 5 and 6 as read by Councilman Lawson. Seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
6. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Raymond Cheng
Business Name: Newport Hibachi dba Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
Business Address: 58A Newport, East Providence, RI 02914
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
B. PUBLIC HEARING
1. BV Full Liquor License – Transfer
Transfer from: Jinxiang Chen, Hibachi Buffet, Inc. dba Hibachi Buffet
Business Name: 58A Newport, East Providence, RI 02914
Transfer to: Raymond Cheng, Newport Hibachi dba Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
- Council Vice President Rego recused
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Recused | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. East Providence Junior Townies State Champions; 10U Football – Councilwoman Sousa
- This item was taken first. Councilwoman Sousa presents the recognition awards to the athletes and the proclamations to the coaches.
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.
- No communications
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.
| Mr. Fonseca | Community Center – Spoke after Community Center presentation |
| Dan Landry | Rumford Rescue |
XI. APPOINTMENTS – None
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
- Item 9 heard first without objection
1. City Clerk job description review, vacancy/appointment procedure– Discussion and Possible vote – Council President Rodericks and Councilman Lawson
- Councilman Lawson requests that item 3 be grouped with this item.
- Motion made to approve by Councilman Lawson. Seconded by Council Vice President Rego.
- Motion withdrawn
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Discussion of non-tolerance for distribution of “racist” or other discriminatory materials within East Providence – Discussion – Council President Rodericks
- Council President Rodericks mentions incidents of racist and discriminatory materials being thrown on various properties.
- Chief Francesconi gave credit to the officers in a previous incident who found the suspects and used a very rarely utilized ordinance to site the suspects and arrest one. The Chief explains this incident has been more difficult to identify the individual’s.
3. Administration’s recommendation on posting, applications and interviews for City Clerk position – Discussion – Councilman Lawson
- Discussed with item 1
4. Review of East Providence School Zone speed camera and red light traffic enforcement camera Sensys Gatso contract and policy – Discussion - Councilman Fogarty
- Police Chief Francesconi states the speed limits are set by the State and that is the reason they vary
- Councilman Fogarty suggests a change in the time to morning hours and afternoon hours only when the children are entering and departing school, not all day. Chief Francesconi reports the time was chosen to keep consistency
- Move to item 1 without objection
5. Review of Wampanoag Trail/Pawtucket Avenue intersection safety concerns, former Wampanoag Diner site – Discussion – Councilman Fogarty
- Councilman Fogarty is reviving the topic from former Councilman Cahoon. Councilman Fogarty asks for ideas for the property.
- Council President requests Public Works Director Daniel Borges to approach. Director Borges speaks to the fact that DOT must be involved in any plans.
- Councilman Lawson requests Assistant Solicitor Conley provide his findings on the plans for the property.
6. Kent Heights Water Tower appearance – Discussion – Councilman Fogarty
- DPW Director Borges metions it is common place to repaint water towers every 3 to 5 years, and towers are traditionally painted a lighter color as to not attract sunlight and cause issues with water quality. Director Borges explains it is normal to repaint water towers frequently
- Director Borges states the funding would most likely be from the water enterprise fund, it will depend on the cost
7. Procedures on public use of fields and parks, specifically permitting requirements – Discussion – Council Vice President Rego
- Council Vice President Rego expresses the need for the permitting requirements due to the spring season quickly approaching. Requests thought be put into attaching a fine to misuse of a permit.
- Councilwoman Sousa asks how often are the permitting requirements revisited and suggest doing so.
8. RFP timeline for repairs and improvements to Freedom Green Park, Lyle Bourne Park, Glenlyon and Kimberly Rock Complex – Discussion – Council Vice President Rego
- Council Vice President Rego requests netting at Glenlyon Field.
- Council Vice President states that Kimberly Ann Rock seems to be at a standstill. The Mayor says the remediation is being worked on and trees have been cleared and soil being collected and sent off site. Mayor suggests the money from Glenlyon can be moved for other projects.
- Director Borges explains the Freedom Green repairs and believes majority is able to be completed in house without going out for RFP.
9. Mutual aid and local City rescues run report for the days January 22nd and January 23rd of 2023 – Discussion – Council Vice President Rego
- Correction request; January 2022 through January of 2023 mutual aid runs
- 73 mutual aid runs received as of 2/21/23
- Exhibit B 2018-2022 figures from Fire Chief Quick (in council file)
- Chief Quick states the majority of time a rescue spends on a run is at the hospital completing paperwork
- Move to item 4 without objection
10. Traffic calming measure via signage at Lyons Avenue and Waterman Avenue after Six Corners – Discussion – Councilwoman Sousa
- Councilwoman Sousa is requesting next council meeting an ordinance be created for a stop sign at lyon and waterman ave?
- Concern at Waterman Ave and Hall Street, issues with school bus pick up. Slow Children at play signage requests
- Waterman Ave after 6 corners would like a speed indicator sign placed. Borges no signs at the moment, will place one when DPW receives more
- Councilman Lawson requests to extend the meeting 1 hour without objection
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second passage - For discussion and possible vote – None
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS – None
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Items for announcement/discussion
a. Update on monthly (January) capital and general expenses and finances – Finance Dir. Malcolm Moore
- Director Moore is not present
b. Update and presentation on the planning of the East Providence Community Center – Mayor DaSilva, Starck Architects
- Mayor introduces Mr. Andrade from Starck Architects to present the overview of the plans (plans available in the Council meeting file)
c. Update and presentation on current Capital Projects – Director of DPW Daniel Borges, Senior Planner Domenic Leonardo
- Senior Planner Domenic Leonardo presents the overview of the Capital Budget projects. This presentation covers 177 projects, capital projects that are annually adopted along with ARPA projects, RI Infrastructure Bank projects and grant funded projects. In total the projects total $58 million of investments. Of the 177, 66 are active and 111 are complete.
- Council President asks about Dewey Avenue area flooding. Director Borges states the City has received the bids for the CCTV City wide storm and sewer inspection, he will be following the proper process to proceed for the contract.
- Councilwoman Sousa requests a workshop for the comp plan
- Councilman Lawson requests information regarding Sabin Point runoff. The Mayor explains the project is funded through a settlement and has been pushing the engineers to come up with a solution. The project is still being worked on
d. East Providence HEZ housing advisory group is hosting a Zoom to discuss affordable housing efforts in East Providence on March 9, 2023 at 5PM
- Director Napoleon Gonsalves reads announcement
e. City Clerk’s office and Animal Control will hold a licensing and Rabies Clinic on Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 9am- 12pm at Fuller Learning Center
- Director Napoleon Gonsalves reads announcement
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Report of the City Solicitor
a. Claims Committee Report
- Solicitor Marcello states majority of the claims were pothole claims and all were approved, largest was for $2,500 and all sewer abatements were approved
C. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution adopting amended Rules of Procedure of the City Council – Discussion and possible vote
- Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa to amend start time of Council Meeting to 6:30pm and use of gmail for constituents. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
- Motion to approve the rules as amended 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 | |
2. Resolution in support of H5206 which would prohibit commercial vehicles from traveling on Route 114A between Pawtucket Avenue and the Massachusetts State line
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rego. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution accepting Kettle Point Avenue as an improved street for maintenance and future improvement
Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty
- Councilwoman Sousa was added as a sponsor to the resolution
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
D. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote - None
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rego. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. 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.