Click 
to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
JOURNAL/MINUTES DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 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
- Pledge of allegiance recited
- Presentation for Nurses month by Councilwoman Sousa
III. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Executive session minutes May 2, 2023
2. Regular meeting minutes May 2, 2023
- Motion to approve consent calendar made by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
- Move to page 6 item 2 City Clerk, without objection
IV. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C10
- Motion to bundle C1-C10 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-C10
- Motion to approve C1 – C10 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. Block Party
Applicant: NTRA NTRA/Laura Winig
Applicant Location: 0 Riverside Drive
Date & Time of Function: September 9, 2023, 2pm-9pm
Street to be closed: Riverside Drive from Ocean Drive to Seaview from Riverside to Bullocks Point Ave
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: NTRA NTRA/Laura Winig
Applicant Location: 0 Riverside Drive
Date & Time of Function: September 9, 2023, 2pm-9pm
Type of Entertainment: Live and recorded music
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. One Day Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Harrison Ingham
Applicant Location: 59 Brightridge Avenue, Holy Ghost Brotherhood
Date & Time of Function: October 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 6:30pm-10pm
Type of Entertainment: Haunted Trail Walk
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Peddler’s License – New
Business Name: Palagis 2000, Inc
Business Address: 55 Bacon Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Applicant Name: Joseph A. Gruslin
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit
Applicant: Adam Palagi
Business Name: Palagi Brothers Ice Cream LLC
Business Address: 28 Delta Drive, Pawtucket, RI 02860
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Application for license to solicit – New
Applicant: Marcus Rocha
Business Name: Trinity Solar Inc.
Business Address: 2211 Allenwood Road, New Jersey
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. Application for license to solicit – New
Applicant: Zachary Grassi
Business Name: Renewal By Anderson
Business Address: 10 Reservoir Road, Smithfield, RI 02917
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
8. Application for license to solicit – New
Applicant: Janella Torres
Business Name: Renewal By Anderson
Business Address: 10 Reservoir Road, Smithfield, RI 02917
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
9. Application for Holiday Sales - New
Applicant: Shifeng Zhang
Business Name: Zhong Lian LLC
Business Address: 275 Bullocks Point Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
10. Application for Victualing – Class 3- New
Applicant: Shifeng Zhang
Business Name: Zhong Lian LLC
Business Address: 275 Bullocks Point Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
B. PUBLIC HEARING - None
V. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. Nurses Recognition – Councilwoman Sousa
- Councilwoman Sousa presents recognition awards to the school nurses and senior center nurse
- Without objection move to page 10, #9
- Resume to next docket item
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.
- Attorney Greg Dias addressed the Council as a resident in regards to the Flock camera resolution passed at the May 2, 2023 council meeting.
- Attorney Dias suggests State regulation to ensure the company is doing what their contract states and that there is backing behind it other than a city policy to ensure privacy rights are upheld.
- Without objection move to page 6, item XII 3
VII. APPOINTMENTS
1. Charter Commission, Council Appointment – David Luiz
Council President Rodericks and Councilman Fogarty
- Motion to approve Councilman Fogarty. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. East Providence City Clerk, Council Appointment – Jill Seppa
- Motion to appoint City Clerk 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 | |
- Without objection move to page 5, item V1
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. City Council Veterans Advisory Committee – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- This is to bring back the existing advisory committee
- Move to item XV, D, 8
2. Update on Memorial Day Parade and request to put flags up along the parade route – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- Councilman Lawson thanks the Administration for putting the American Flags up on the route.
- For anyone who wants to join in the parade contact Chrissy Rossi at 401-481-1721 or Councilman Lawson at ward4@eastprovidenceri.gov
3. Clifton Larson Allen audit report – Discussion only – Council President Rodericks
- Ron Nossek from Clifton Larson Allen updates the Council on the audit. Mr. Nossek mentions that the reason for the delay is due to the State not providing the pension information in a timely manner.
4. Total number of property assessment appeals to Northeast Revaluation to include number of successful appeals and total dollar amount adjusted appeals – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Finance Director Malcolm Moore reports there are 14,474 parcels for residential, of that 429 appeals (about 3%) of that 429, 301 changes were made. The average reduction of the 301 was $236. Commercial appeals, 1,462 properties, 69 appeals, changes in 27.
- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves read the letter from item XV, A 2K
5. Water/Sewer bills to rate payers by the 10th of each month - Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Finance Director Malcolm Moore states the bills are issued after the 7 calendar day grace period. Once the grace period is over, the bills are processed and sent to the printer. The only way to fix the problem is to remove the grace period.
6. Update on East Providence Police Department roof bid and start date - Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Move to resolution, item XV D6
7. Mutual aid rescue calls requested by the city for each month of 2023 (Jan-April), total to be broken down by each city and town that is sending rescue’s into the city- Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Fire Chief Quick states he will have the numbers at the June 6, 2023 Council meeting as it is a lengthy process to pull the numbers for this request.
8. Charter Review Commission – Discussion only – Councilman Lawson
- Chair of the Charter Review Commission Marc Furtado addresses the council about the process. The Council states they are here to give guidance.
-
9. Short term rental ordinance review – Discussion only – Council Vice President Rego
- Solicitor Marcello explains the ordinance to the Council, the process of application and fees.
- Councilwoman Sousa would like a resolution in support of the House and Senate bill for short term rentals. Also, would like to amend the current ordinance to have more strict guidelines.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - For discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance of the Council of the City of East Providence Appropriating $305,800.00 for the replacement of the Police Station Roof
Summary: To allocate $305,800.00 of the remaining unencumbered and unallocated Capital Budget to the Police Department for the replacement of the police station roof inclusive of the remaining balance of $188,424.07 residual funds from previously approved Capital projects
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Nancy Hale, Bullocks Point Avenue, speaks during public hearing. She questions is the lowest price is the best price. Council President Rodericks states the estimates were very close and that the bid win was appropriate.
- Motion to approve by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0
- Continue back to next docket item XII 7
| Member | X | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. 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 by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego. Motion passes 4-1.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | | X |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS – None
XV. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS
1. Appointment/Reappointments not requiring Council Confirmation
a. Richard Brown, appointment to the Economic Development Commission – Term 11/22/2022 - 11/21/2027
- Motion to place on the June 6, 2023 council meeting by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 4-0 with Councilman Lawson not voting (stepped away)
b. Meg Robinson, appointment to the Tree Commission – Term 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2026
- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves reads letter of appointment
c. Kara Ashely Evans, appointment to the East Providence Historic Commission – Term 12/16/21 – 12/15/2024
2. Items for announcement/discussion
- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves reads letter of appointment
a. Discussion on resolution amending RIGL 16-7-41.1 related to reimbursement of interest payments on approved projects prior to the project’s substantial completion
- Solicitor Marcello explains the support is to receive the reimbursement of interest payments before projects are complete.
b. East Providence third municipality to sign Learn 365 RI Compact
- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves reads letter of bullet points c-j
- Move to item XV, D7
c. National Skilled Nursing Week Proclamation May 14-20
d. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Month of May 10, 2023
e. Mental Health Awareness Month – Month of May 10, 2023
f. Jewish American Heritage Month – Month of May 10, 2023
g. LBGTQI+ Pride month – Month of June
h. Azorean day – May 29 (Celebration May 15)
i. Day of Portugal – June 10 (Celebration June 6)
j. ALS Awareness Month – Month of May
k. Correspondence from Mayor regarding new property tax rates
- Director of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves reads letter to Council
- Continue back to next docket item XII 5
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS - None
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
- Councilman Lawson reports the Building Committee has submitted stage 3 of the proposals to RIDE.
- The East Providence High School Unified Basketball team are the State Champs
- East Providence Teacher of the Year winner was Kristen Pinheiro
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution establishing the East Providence City Council Advisory Recreation Board
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0.
- Motion to rescind make by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
- Motion to approve Sub-A 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 | |
2. Resolution establishing the East Providence City Council Crescent Park Advisory Commission
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
- Motion to approve 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 | |
3. Resolution establishing the East Providence City Council Harbor Management Commission
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Resolution establishing the East Providence City Council Senior and Disabled Citizen’s Advisory Commission
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- 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 | |
5. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with K. Electric Inc. for installation of string lighting along the East Bay Bike Path in Riverside Square
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 | |
6. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for the Police Department Roof Replacement
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- 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 | |
- Move to page 6 item XIII 1
7. Resolution memorializing the General Assembly to enact legislation amending State law to provide eligibility for reimbursement for interest payments on approved school construction projects prior to project completion
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- 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 | |
8. Resolution establishing the City of East Providence Veterans Advisory Committee
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice President Rego and Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
- Continue back to next docket item XII 2
9. Resolution recognizing National Nurses Month
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- 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 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
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego, Councilman Fogarty, Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 5-0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to adjourn may 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 | |
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 6, 2023
Attest: __________________________
City Clerk