CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 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 Marcello

City Clerk, Jill Seppa

 

 

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

            Roll Call

Councilman Fogarty_____ Councilman Lawson_____ Council Vice President Rego_____ Councilwoman Sousa _____ Council President Rodericks_____

           

II.        SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

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.      Antonio Barbosa

B.     Litigation

Richard E. Kirby v. City of East Providence (PC-201906124) litigation update, case analysis with Attorney Mark Reynolds.

 

IV.       RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

 

Councilman Fogarty_____ Councilman Lawson_____ Council Vice President Rego_____ Councilwoman Sousa _____ Council President Rodericks_____

 

V.        MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	Seconded, X
Councilman Lawson	Motion, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

VI.       CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

 

A.    COUNCIL JOURNALS:

1.      August 15, 2023 - Regular meeting minutes

2.      August 15, 2023 – Executive session Minutes

3.      August 22, 2023 – Regular meeting minutes

4.      August 29, 2023 – Regular meeting minutes

 

VII.     LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

 

A. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C9

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Motion, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Second, X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

B.     Motion to approve licenses C1-C9

(Discussion and possible vote)

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Motion, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Second, X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

C.    NON-PUBLIC HEARING

1.      Victualling Class III (25 seats and under)-New

Applicant name: Welington Oliveira

Business name: Imperial Picanha

Business Address: 1049-55 S Broadway

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

2.      Sundays and Holidays

Applicant name: Welington Oliveira

Business name: Imperial Picanha

Business Address: 1049-55 S Broadway

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

3.      Kennel-New

Applicant name: Megan Abreu

Business name: Chibi’s Choice Dog Grooming & Supply

Business address: 141 Newport Avenue

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

4.      Private Detective-New

Applicant name: Andrea Powers

Business name: Powers & Assoc.

Business address: 82 County Road #34, Mattapoisett, MA 02739

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

5.      Special Events One Day Entertainment License

Applicant name: Captain Michael Repoza

Event: Cops and Rodders

Event Location: 750 Waterman Avenue

Entertainment: Car Show with DJ

Event Date and time: September 16, 2023 8:00am-4:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

6.      Road Race

Applicant: Igus (5K Family Fun Walk)

Location: Igus headquarters and Ten Mile River Greenway Path

Date and time: October 14, 2023 9:00am-2:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

7.      Sundays and Holidays

Applicant name: Ashish Parikah

Business name: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Business address: 40 Newport Avenue

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

8.      Victualling Class II (25-50 people)

Applicant name: Ashish Parikah

Business name: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Business address: 40 Newport Avenue

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

9.      Peddler Driver

Applicant name: Andy Semedo

Business name: Semedo’s Rentals (Jet Ski)

Applicant address: 50 Industrial Circle, Ste 112, Lincoln RI 02865

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Motion, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Second
Council President Rodericks		X

There was discussion with Andy Semedo, applicant that was present. Council President Rodericks, aired concerns of constituents with the business traffic at Sabin Point.

 

            D. PUBLIC HEARING

 

VIII.    PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

 

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.      Nancy Hale – discussion related to safety improvements and prevention of accidents related to East Providence School Zone Cameras Nancy Hale was not present

1.      William M Lewis-Water billing; usage for a restaurant, bar and other commercial properties. William Lewis did not show up.

 

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. None

 

XI.       APPOINTMENTS –

1.      Appointment to the City Council Crescent Park Committee – Cathy Baker – Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Motion, X
Council Vice President Rego	Second, X
Councilwoman Sousa	X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

XII.     COUNCIL MEMBERS -none

 

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

1.      An ordinance in the amendment of Chapter 18 of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”

Summary:  removal of No Parking, Troughton Place

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks and Councilwoman Sousa

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	Seconded, X
Councilman Lawson	Motion, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

Coucilwoman Sousa presented the reversal of the no parking due to tenants voicing their concern. Maria Jardime of Grove Avenue spoke against the no parking signs as a resident of 27 years. David Jardime spoke against the no parking signs.

 

2.      An ordinance of the Council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $2,500,000 toward the renovation of the East Providence police station located at 750 Waterman Avenue

Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego, Councilman Lawson, Councilwoman Sousa, Councilman Fogarty

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	Second, X
Councilman Lawson	Motion,X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

XIV.    CONTINUED BUSINESS

 

FY 2024 Mayor Proposed Budget – Council Review

1.      Workshop – Discussion Only

Link to the Mayors presented FY24 budget, printed copies are available in the Clerks office:

       https://stories.opengov.com/eastprovidenceri/published/veWMfZIm14u

 

1. City Government

·         City Council

·         Mayor’s Office

·         City Clerk

·         Law

·         Canvassing

·         Capital

 

2. City Operations

·         Finance Controls & Accounts

·         Tax Collection

·         Tax Assessment

·         Human Resources

·         EEOC/Affirmative Action

·         Information Technology

·         Miscellaneous

·         Debt Service

·         Capital

 

3.  Community Development

·         Planning & Economic Development

 

4. Community Services

·         Recreation * Diane Sullivan spoke on Recreation and Pierce Stadium

·         Pierce Stadium *

·         Carousel * Tracy Johnson spoke on the Carousel

·         Library * Meredith Bonds spoke on the library

·         Senior Center* Laura Jones spoke on the Senior Center

 

5. Public Works

·         Public Works Director* Dan Borges spoke on the public works

·         Building Inspection *

·         Engineering *

·         Highway/Parks*

·         Streetlights*

·         Refuse Disposal*

·         Public Buildings *

·         Central Garage *

 

6. Public Safety

·         Police Department

·         Animal Shelter

·         Harbormaster

·         Fire Department

·         Public Safety Communications

 

7. Enterprise Fund

·         Wastewater Pollution Control *

·         Water Utilities*

 

                              *primarily intended to be discussed

 

XV.     NEW BUSINESS

 

B.     MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

Councilman Lawson made a motion to accept as read, Councilwoman Sousa second and the motion carried 5-0.

 

1.   Alzheimer’s Awareness Proclamation

 

2.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for a citywide utility box art project, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $50,000 for a Citywide utility box art project.”

 

3.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for the former Oldham school, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $1,000,000 for the former Oldham school building on Bullocks Point Avenue.”

 

4.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for the Pierce Field football stadium, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $550,000 to replace the walking track at Pierce Field football stadium.”

 

5.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for a splashpad in Riverside, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $200,000 for a splash pad in Riverside.”

 

6.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for Townie Pride Park, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $450,000 for improvements to Townie Pride Park.”

 

7.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for sewer and drain improvements citywide, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $5,000,000 for improvements to the infrastructure of sewers and drains citywide.”

 

8.   Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for placemaking citywide, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $550,000 for placemaking throughout the city.”

 

C.    REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS  

 

1.      City Solicitor

Solicitor Marcello reported that the claims committee reviewed the claim for $476.00 which was denied.

 

D.    REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON

 

E.     COUNCIL ITEMS

 

1.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for a citywide utility box art project, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $50,000 for a Citywide utility box art project.” – possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	Second
Councilman Lawson	X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks		X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $50,000 for a citywide utility box art project, will be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor. (Passes 4-1)

 

2.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for the former Oldham school, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $1,000,000 for the former Oldham school building on Bullocks Point Avenue.” possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	Second, X
Councilman Lawson	X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks		X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $1,000,000 for the former Oldham school building on Bullocks Point Avenue, will be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor. (Passes 4-1)

 

3.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for the Pierce Field football stadium, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $550,000 to replace the walking track at Pierce Field football stadium.” – possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks		X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $550,000 to replace the walking track at Pierce Field football stadium, will be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor. (Passes 4-1)

 

4.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for a splashpad in Riverside, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $200,000 for a splash pad in Riverside.” – possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $200,000 for a splash pad in Riverside, will be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor. (Passes 5-0)

 

5.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for Townie Pride Park, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $450,000 for improvements to Townie Pride Park.” – possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego		X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks		X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $450,000 for improvements to Townie Pride Park, will be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor.

 

6.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for sewer and drain improvements citywide, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $5,000,000 for improvements to the infrastructure of sewers and drains citywide.” – possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	Second, X
Councilman Lawson	X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks		X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $5,000,000 for a citywide citywide sewer and drain improvements, be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor. (Passes 4-1)

 

7.      Council consideration Mayor's message of disapproval and veto of appropriation of ARPA funds for placemaking citywide, as passed by the City Council on August 15, 2023 entitled "An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $550,000 for placemaking throughout the city.” – possible vote to override- City Council

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks		X

 

Councilwoman Sousa made the motion that the ordinance appropriating up to $550,000 for placemaking throughout the city, be approved without standing the disapproval and veto of the mayor. (Passes 4-1)

 

F.     RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

 

1.      Resolution authorizing city council expenditure of funds for community Fallfest and Winterfest Celebrations-Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

2.      Resolution declaring its intent for the City of East Providence to transfer ownership of certain streetlights to the state of Rhode Island Department of Transportation – Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

3.      Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a change order with MAS Building & Bridge, Inc, for additional work related to the repair of the seawall located at Crescent Park (formerly Rose Larisa Park) – Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	Motion, X
Councilwoman Sousa	X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

G.    INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote

 

1.      An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 8 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended entitled “License and Business Regulations”

Summary:  Sec. 8-522 “Wreckers and Towers” with proposed regulations

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks

 

Chief of Police Francisconi presented the ordinance. No action was taken.

 

XVII.  ADJOURNMENT

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Councilman Fogarty	X
Councilman Lawson	Second, X
Council Vice President Rego	X
Councilwoman Sousa	Motion, X
Council President Rodericks	X

 

 

If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodation to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 401.435.7590 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.

 

 

Approved by Council: October 2, 2023

Attest: __________________________

City Clerk