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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 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
- Salute to the flag lead by Councilman Fogarty
III. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(1)- personnel
A. City Clerk candidate discussion and review of references – possible vote to make a contingent offer of appointment
B. Collective Bargaining 42-46-5(a)(2)
East Providence Police IBPO Local 569 review and approval of final 3 year collective bargaining agreement dated November 1, 2022 through October 21, 2025, based upon incorporation of prior ratified tentative agreement dated November 9, 2022
- Motion to enter into executive session 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 | |
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. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes April 18, 2023
2. Executive Session Special meeting minutes April 20, 2023
3. Special meeting minutes April 20, 2023
4. Executive Session Special meeting minutes April 26, 2023
5. Special meeting minutes April 26, 2023
- Motion to approve the consent calendar made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. 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. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C7
- Motion to bundle C1-C7 made by Councilman Fogarty. 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-C7
- Motion to approve C1 – C7 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 | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Jose Sanchez Ortiz
Applicant Location: 335 Newport Ave. 02916, El Azteca
Date & Time of Function: May 5, 2023, 4pm-11pm
Type of Entertainment: DJ
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Andreas Andrikopoulos
Applicant Location: 208 Taunton Ave. 02914, Sax’s Pizza
Date & Time of Function: May 21, 2023, 1pm-4pm
Type of Entertainment: Music
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Jeanne Mc Gurn
Applicant Location: 146 Sutton Ave. 02914, Trinity Brotherhood (Feast)
Date & Time of Function: June 2 & June 3 - 6pm-12am, June 4 - 3pm-10pm
Type of Entertainment: Music/Band
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Jeanne Mc Gurn
Applicant Location: 146 Sutton Ave. 02914, Trinity Brotherhood (Feast)
Date & Time of Function: June 2 & June 3 - 6pm-12am, June 4 - 3pm-10pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Lidia Alves
Applicant Location: 59 Brightridge Ave. 02914, Holy Ghost Brotherhood (Feast)
Date & Time of Function: July 21, 2023-6pm to 11pm, July 22, 2023-6:30pm-12am, July 23, 2023 2pm-9pm
Type of Entertainment: Music/Band
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Lidia Alves
Applicant Location: 59 Brightridge Ave. 02914, Holy Ghost Brotherhood (Feast)
Date & Time of Function: July 21, 2023-6pm to 11pm, July 22, 2023-6:30pm-12am,
July 23, 2023 2pm-9pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Manuela Mendes
Business Name: Manuela’s Tailor Shop
Business Address: 2761 Pawtucket Ave. 02914
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
B. PUBLIC HEARING – None
VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS – None
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
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.
1. Street Safety – Nancy Hale
- Nancy Hale, 889 Bullocks Point Avenue approaches the podium and addresses the Council with her concerns about crosswalks in the City of East Providence
2. Statement concerning the lands of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Metacomet Golf Course – Heather Andrade
- Heather Andrade approaches the podium and addresses the Council with her concerns revolving around the use and historical status of Veterans Memorial Parkway and Metacomet Golf Course
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.
- No public comment
- Move to pg 6 item XIII, number 2 without objection
XI. APPOINTMENTS – None
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Overview of Inaugural Mayor’s Cup Middle School Games, April 25, 2023 – Discussion only – Council President Rodericks
- Council President Rodericks thanks all involved in the first annual Mayor’s Cup Middle School Tournament. Included baseball and softball teams. Riverside Middle School took the softball trophy and Marin Middle School took the baseball trophy
2. Proposed Community Center: a) possible partners b) location of Community Center c) size and scope of the Community Center d) workshop/public input meetings – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- Councilman Lawson would like to see discussions about the size, scope and location of the project, see collaboration with the boys and girls club. Also suggests workshops for discussion
3. Scheduled list of street repaving and sidewalk project. Proposed funding allocation for projects – Discussion only – Councilwoman Sousa
- DPW Director Dan Borges supplies the list to the Councilmembers, explains to the Council that the City has gone back out to bid as the contract with Pawtucket Hot Mix has ended and the bids are almost double.
4. Repair of city curb on Thatcher Street, Wilson Avenue to Hoyt Avenue – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- DPW Director Borges confirms the job will cost $140,000 to repair the curbing
5. American Flag placement on the Memorial Day parade route – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- DPW Director Borges states the flags were heavily damaged and the banners are being installed along the entire parade route. The banners are a good opportunity to allow the City to change them seasonally or different events. The banners are an attempt to start place making throughout the City.
6. Update on progress of work being done at Freedom Green and Glenlyon Field, Rumford Gardens – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- DPW Director Borges confirms the contract with Agawam is over to maintain the landscaping at Freedom Green.
7. Kent Field Park Renovation – Discussion only – Council President Rodericks and Councilman Fogarty
- Update from Council President on the project and the plans are roughly 90% complete and the City is awaiting to hear from the DEM and the project will move forward
8. Traffic Study/Speed analysis on Don Avenue and Kelly Avenue – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Council Vice President Rego is requesting speed indicators. DPW Director states that the indicators are back ordered 26 weeks
9. Street flooding concern on Ferris Avenue off Newport Avenue – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Council Vice President states that DOT stated they cleared the Drains on Newport Avenue. DPW Director Borges states he will add that area to the CCTV contract to see if there are any defects in the pipes
- Move to the City Solicitors report pg 7 item XV B1a without objection
10. ARPA funding allocation: a) parks/playgrounds/fields to include adaptive equipment b) former oldham building c) place making initiative (banners and signage) d) façade improvement program e) City Hall audio visual upgrades – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson and Council Vice President Rego
- Councilman Lawson suggest changing the fencing to netting at the fields, have equipment placed for children on the spectrum. Council President states he would like to reactivate the Recreation Board.
- Councilman Lawson would like to set up a game plan for teleconferencing in City Hall
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - 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
- Nancy Hale, 889 Bullocks Point Avenue, speaks against the stop sign
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | 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: Sec. 19-95 Change parcel 15, map 308, block 17 from Residential-3 (R-3) to Commercial-2 (C-2)(10 Wampanoag Trail)
Requested by: C&C Investing Group, LLC
- Attorney Tim Chapmen represent applicant C&C Investing Group, LLC/ Carl Pearson. Attorney Chapman briefs the Council on the request of converting the property to three apartments and add a small art studio for pottery. The footprint of the property will not change.
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Fogarty. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. 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: Sec 19-95 Change parcel 1, map 309, block 13 from Residential-3 (R-3) to Commercial-2 (C-2)(2876 Pawtucket Avenue)
Requested by: Thomas Costa (Applicant/Owner)
- Attorney Tom Mirza represents applicant Tom Costa. The property has historical been used as commercial property, approval would alleviate the process of applying for variances.
- Heather Andrade approaches and asks what type of business will be housed in the building. The applicant stated it remains to be seen
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Fogarty. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS – None
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Items for announcement/discussion
a. Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) Proclamation awareness month
- Director Gonsalves reads proclamation
b. Lupus Proclamation awareness month
- Director Gonsalves reads proclamation
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Report of the City Solicitor
a. Review, discussion and possible ratification of the collective bargaining agreement between the East Providence Police IBPO Local 569 and the City of East Providence Effective November 1, 2022 through October 3, 2025
- Solicitor Marcello the tentative agreement was agreed upon with the former Council and this was an administerial step to be able to incorporate the changes into the contract. Vote was 5-0
- Councilwoman Sousa states the council discussed the applicants for the City Clerk position and the Council will send out impending approval appointing a City Clerk in the near future
- Move to pg 8 item number 2 without objection
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
- Councilman Lawson states the Martin Building committee and the high school punch list is moving along
- Councilman Lawson gives a shout out to the parents and staff at Waddington for putting on an amazing event
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the solid waste and recycling services agreement between the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the City of East Providence
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 | |
2. Resolution authorizing City Council expenditure of funds
Summary: authorizing $320 expenditure for purchase of notecards and envelopes
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- 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 | |
3. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the purchase of a technology platform for Automatic License Plate Detection for the Police Department
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego & Councilman Lawson
- Police Chief Francesconi states the cameras and all expenditures for them will be covered fully by asset forfeiture.
- The contract will be for 5 years, $2500 per camera and $350 to install
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passes 5-0
- Revert back to actual order of the agenda without objection
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - 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”
Summary: Sec 9-17 through 9-21, Revision to City graffiti ordinance including penalties
Sponsors: Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego, Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. 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
- Public hearing for this ordinance to be heard on June 6, 2023
- Motion to approve made by Council Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
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 16, 2023
Attest: __________________________
City Clerk