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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 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

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 led by St. Margaret’s Student Amani Croteau

- Solicitor Marcello swore in David Luis to serve on the Charter Commission

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. Kay McMahon

2. Richard Silva

3. WeixangWang

B. R.I.G.L. 42-26-5(5) Any discussions or considerations related to the acquisition of real property for public purposes wherein advance public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public.

Motion to enter into executive session made by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

Fogarty__X___ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks__X___

V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

-Councilman Lawson made a motion to bundle and approve the consent calendar without objection, Seconded by Councilman Fogarty.

A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:

1. Regular meeting minutes May 16, 2023

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

B. TAX ABATEMENTS

Year	Amount
2022	$1199.84
Total	$1199.84

C. Read In

1. Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage (Beer & Wine)

Applicant: Terry Carvalho

Applicant Location: 118 Taunton Avenue, Sacred Heart Church, Holy Ghost Dinner

Date & Time of Function: May 27, 2023, 6:00pm-11:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

2. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Jennifer Tierney

Applicant Location: 73 Brightridge Avenue

Date & Time of Function: May 28, 2023, 4pm-11pm

Type of Entertainment: Cookout

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C12

Motion to bundle C1-C12 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

B. Motion to approve licenses C1-C12

Motion to approve C1-C12 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

C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

1. Block Party

Applicant: Janeice Cabral

Applicant Location: 55 Colwell Street

Date & Time of Function: June 17, 2023, 2pm-11pm

Street to be closed: Colwell Street

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

2. Class F Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage

Applicant: Rita Vargas

Applicant Location: 81 N. Carpenter St & 160 Orchard St. St Francis Xavier Church

Date & Time of Function: June 16-June 18, 2023, 6:00pm-12am (Feast)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

3. Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage (Beer & Wine)

Applicant: Anthony Prattico

Applicant Location: 2595 Pawtucket Avenue, St. Martha’s Church 20 week club dinner

Date & Time of Function: June 10, 2023 5:00pm-9:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

4. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Jennifer Terceria

Applicant Location: 59 Brightridge Avenue

Date & Time of Function: September 30, 2023, 2pm-7pm

Type of Entertainment: Band/DJ

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

5. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Ronny Pereira

Applicant Location: 187 Waterman Avenue

Date & Time of Function: July 8, 2023

Type of Entertainment: DJ and dancing

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

6. One Day Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Rita Vargas

Applicant Location: 81 N. Carpenter Street, St. Francis Xavier Church (Feast)

Date & Time of Function: June 16, 2023, 6pm-12am

Type of Entertainment: DJ and live band

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

7. Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Michael McAteer

Business Name: 119 Main LLC dba The Hot Potato Food Truck

Business Address: 34 Midland Drive, Cranston, RI 02920

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

8. Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Michael Aciz

Business Name: Pams Grill LLC dba Pams Grill On The Grill

Business Address: 28 Delta Drive, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

9. Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Leroy Sanderson

Business Name: Newport Creamery

Business Address: 35 Sockanosset Cross Rd.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

10. Application for Hawker License

Applicant: Keith Lambert

Business Name: New England Novelty

Business Address: 1235 Wampanoag Trail, 02915

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

11. Application for Hawker License

Applicant: Keith Lambert

Business Name: New England Novelty

Business Address: 114 Newport Avenue, 02916

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

12. Application for Second Hand Autos, Trucks, Dealers & Junkyards – Antiques

Applicant: Jay Holland

Business Name: E&M Fine Art & Antiques LLC

Business Address: 69-73 Warren Avenue, 02914

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

D. PUBLIC HEARING

1. Application for Dance/Entertainment License – New

Applicant: Thomas Allen

Business Name: Myrtlebank LLC dba Myrtle

Business Address: 132-134 Waterman Avenue, 02914

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

Applicant was present, gave an overview of the business. Councilwoman Sousa inquired about timeline. Applicant stated they are hoping to be open by the end of summer.

Councilwomen Sousa made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilman Lawson, 5-0.

2. Application for Dance/Entertainment License - Transfer

Transfer from: Broadway Lounge Inc. dba Merrill Lounge

Transfer to: Contenders Sports Bar LLC dba Contenders Sports Bar

Location: 535 N. Broadway, 02916

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	recused
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

Council Vice President Rego recused. Applicant was present, gave an overview of the business.

Councilwomen Sousa made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilman Lawson, 4-0, 1 recused.

3. BV Liquor License – Transfer

Transfer from: Broadway Lounge Inc. dba Merrill Lounge

Transfer to: Contenders Sports Bar LLC dba Contenders Sports Bar

Location: 535 N. Broadway, 02916

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	recused
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

Council Vice President Rego recused. Applicant was present, gave an overview of the business.

Councilwomen Sousa made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilman Lawson, 4-0, 1 recused.

VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

1. St. Margaret’s Mock Trial Team – Council Vice President Rego

Move to item II on page 1 without objection

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

- Nancy Hale, 889 Bullocks Point Avenue approached the podium and addressed the Council with her concerns about chemicals on lawns/sidewalks for dogs in the City of East Providence. Meeting with Napoleon Gonsalves on June 12 regarding a possible Bike Safety event addressing bikers following the rules of the road.

XI. APPOINTMENTS

- Motion to bundle appointments made by Councilmen Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passes 5-0

1. Appointment to the City Council Veterans Committee – Donna Palumbo – Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

2. Appointment to the City Council Veterans Committee – Jon Baptista – Councilmen Vice President Rego

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

3. Appointment to the City Council Veterans Committee – Anthony Ballirano – Councilman President Rodericks

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS

1. Welcome the newest members of the East Providence Police Department - Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego

-Council Vice President Rego acknowledged and welcomed the newly appointed Police Officers– Sarah Poirier, Gage DaSilva, Dalton Quinn & Zachary Ronan

2. Acknowledge and congratulate all city residents who graduated from their respective schools - Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego

-Council Vice President Rego acknowledged and celebrated all the recent graduates around the City.

3. Summer Kickoff/Food truck Fun event organized by Stephanie Melo-Discussion only- Council Vice President Rego

-Council Vice President Rego acknowledged the efforts above and beyond of License Clerk Stephanie Melo in organizing an upcoming food truck event.

4. Update on Speed Control Signs for Don Ave. & Kelly Ave. – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego

-DPW Director Daniel Borges contacted the company and will update the Council. Councilman Lawson asked for a list of where the additional signs will be placed.

5. Glenylon Field walking path upgrade and lighting update - Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego

-DPW Director Daniel Borges reported he has been in contact with a company that offers solar lighting options. There was a paver lined up for the path but it was damaged so they are waiting for it to be repaired. Council Vice president asked for an estimated timeline. Mr. Borges said end of summer but potentially Fall 2023.

6. Mutual aid rescue calls requested by the city for each month of 2023 (Jan-May), total to be broken down by each city and town that is sending rescues into the city- Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego

-Council Vice President Rego reviewed the reports from Chief Quick citing a need for a fourth rescue to serve Ward 1. Chief Quick reviewed the report prepared. He noted 121 mutual aid calls after 5 pm. Council Vice President Rego concluded based on the reports that Ward 1 does not receive equal coverage compared to the other 3 Wards, therefore, justifying the purchase of a fourth rescue.

Napoleon Gonsalves shared that the administration is not opposed to a fourth rescue.

Councilwomen Sousa wanted to clarify that the issue is not service the issue being addressed is transportation.

7. Review of Community Meeting at the Rifle Range at Kimberly Ann Rock Complex – Discussion only – Council President Rodericks and Council Vice President Rego

-Counncil President offered the background that the Army Corp of Engineer had to do their due diligence of the property. Council Vice President acknowledged Mayor DaSilva for facilitating the community meeting with a large turn out. The intent is to replant, protect as open space or use for a community recreation facility.

8. Inventory of issued handicap signs, annual renewals and placements – Discussion only – Councilwomen Sousa

-Councilwoman Sousa reviewed that this is an ongoing conversation to maintain records for handicap signage. DPW Director Dan Borges reported he is in the process of updating and reviewing the list of handicap signs. Councilwoman Sousa suggested once the list is current a process for renewal should be introduced. Mr. Borges agreed and suggested establishing policies and procedures as well.

9. Additional no parking signs on Walnut Street south towards Taunton Avenue – Discussion only – Councilwomen Sousa

-Councilwoman Sousa acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Borges and his staff with maintaining all the street signs. Councilwoman Sousa outlined a long stretch where there is no signage. Councilwoman Sousa asked Mr. Borges to review and add additional signage.

10. Additional signs – Councilwomen Sousa

-Councilwoman Sousa mentioned that six corners there is a hazard that requires more signaege. She is requesting a resolution seeking to have that area be evaluated and that the administration support the safety concern.

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

1. Ordinances in amendment of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended

Summary: Sec. 2-272, 2-281, 19-36, 2-66-2-81, 2-201-2-206, 2-228, 2-229-2-235, 4-62, 8-576-8-577, 2-51-2-55, 2-196-2-200, 13-82, 13-191-13-199, 2-238, 11-1, 11-3, 11-95, 13-83, 13-84, 14-53, 2-190, 11-153, 11-245, 14-52, 19-490, updating various provisions of the code of ordinances regarding the appointing authority under the 2017 home rule charter amendment and repealing defunct boards and commissions

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Dylan Conley and Julissa Arce reported an overview of the ordinance amendments. Council Vice President Rego made a motion to approve, Councilman Lawson seconded and motion carries 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

2. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 11 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Military Duty”
Summary: Sec 11-93, authorizing the pay differential for qualified employees who are deployed for 365 days or less in the armed forces
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

Councilman Lawson explained that this ordinance is designed to cover the pay the difference to cover those that get called for deployment for more than two weeks. Councilman Lawson made a motion, Councilwoman Sousa seconded and motion carries 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS

XV. NEW BUSINESS

A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

1. Appointment/Reappointments requiring Council Confirmation

a. Richard Brown, appointment to the Economic Development Commission – Term 11/22/2022 - 11/21/2027

Councilman Lawson made a motion to approve, Councilwoman Sousa seconded. President Rodericks asked Napoleon Gonsalves to confirm that this is an advisor board. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

b. Thomas E. Brun, Reappointment to Economic Development Commission- Term 11/30/21-11/29/26

Council Vice President Rego made a motion to approve, Councilmen Lawson seconded.. Motion passes 5-0.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

2. Items for announcement/discussion

a. Riverside Square Revitalization Assessment and Recommendation- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves

Napoleon Gonsalves reviewed the Riverside Square Revitalitation Assessment and Recommendation.

b. April Capital Expenses Revenues update – Director of Finance, Malcolm Moore

Malcolm Moore was unavailable for this meeting.

c. Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation-Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves

Director Gonsalves reads proclamation.

d. National Immigrant Heritage Month Proclamation- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves

Director Gonsalves reads proclamation.

e. Juneteenth Day Observation Proclamation- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves

Director Gonsalves reads proclamation.

f. Welcome to the Golden Rule Proclamation- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves

3. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

1. Report of City Solicitor

a. Claims Committee Report

Solicitor Michael Marcello reported that a claim for Kay McMahon for $510.39 was approved, a claim for Richard Silvia for $140.98 was denied and a claim for Weixing Wang for vehicle damage was denied.

4. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON

Councilman Lawson offered well wishes to over 370 graduates that became Townie alumni. He also acknowledged that the sports teams are enjoying success in various playoffs. He also shared that the building committee is moving along with various improvements and projects. Council President Rodericks acknowledged that the Rhode Island teacher of the year was an East Providence teacher.

5. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1. Resolution in support of H6183 and S308 which propose to authorize municipalities to establish rules and regulations and issue licenses for short-term rentals.

Sponsor – Councilwomen Sousa

- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Council Vice President Rego also suggested that the council needs to review the local ordinance. 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 an amended coast sharing agreement with the Bristol County Water Authority for Phase II of the Pawtucket pipeline connection project.

Sponsor – Council President Rodericks

- 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

6. 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: Section 18-302, no parking Horsford Avenue (west side) from Holmes Avenue northerly for 160 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on school days.

Sponsor; Council Vice President Rego

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

- Motion to approve made by Councilman Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

- Motion to adjourn 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: June 20, 2023

Attest: __________________________

City Clerk