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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 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 & Assistant City Solicitor Dylan Conley
City Clerk, Jill Seppa
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Fogarty_____ Lawson____X_ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks_X____
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
CITY COUNCIL TO CONVENE AS BOARD OF LICENSES
Dylan Conley reported that the Council had a restraining order against it filed by the Rumford Motor Inn and therefore this item will not be proceeding this evening. Solicitor Conley requested to meet in an Executive Session regarding this topic.
Councilman Lawson made a motion to amend the Agenda and enter executive session per RIGL 42-46-5 (a) (2) and seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and all were in favor.
Council Vice Rego made a motion to enter into the Executive Session 42-46-5 (a) (2), Seconded by Councilman Lawson and all were in favor.
1. SHOW CAUSE HEARING & Potential Vote Related to Amendments, Restrictions, or Revocation of Hotel License issue November 11, 2023 to Rumford Motor Inn, 400 Newport Avenue, East Providence, RI 02916
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
III. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
1. R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) Discussion and review of proposed collective bargaining agreement related to the East Providence Educational Secretaries Association Contract pursuant to section 10-4 of the East Providence Home Rule Charter
2. R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) session pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation related to a modification of section 18.01 of the current collective bargaining agreement related to Detail Pay with East Providence International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 569
Solicitor Marcello reported that the Council voted to approve both items (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 | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS: None
B. TAX ABATEMENTS:
| Year | Amount |
| 2012 | $443.84 |
| 2023 | $271.96 |
| Total | $715.80 |
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
B. Motion to approve licenses
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Event License – One Day Entertainment
Applicant: The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association
Event: Movies in the Park
Location: 700 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: June 28, 2024 6:30pm-10:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Special Event License – One Day Entertainment
Applicant: The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association
Event: Summerfest 2024
Location: 700 + 701 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: July 18 2024 – July 21, 2024, 11:00am – 10:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Special Event License –One Day Entertainment
Applicant: The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association
Event: Movies in the Park
Location: 700 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: October 11, 2024 5:30pn-9:30pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Special Event License – One Day Entertainment
Applicant: The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association
Event: The Great Townie Pumpkin Festival
Location: 700 & 701 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: October 5, 2024 11:00am-4:00pn
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
5. Special Event License – One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Jennifer Terceira
Event: Third Annual Fall Fair and Classic Car Show
Location: 58 Brightridge Avenue
Date & Time: September 28, 2024 2:00pm-7:00pm
Type of Entertainment: Band and DJ
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Councilwoman Sousa recused herself from this item.
6. Application for Victualing – Class 1- New
Applicant: Robert Baptista III
Business Name: A Positive Atmosphere LLC dba Atmosphere Café
Business Address: 63 Valley St, 02914
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | X |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | Second, X | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING
Councilwoman Sousa recused herself from this item.
Robert Baptista was present. He stated that he has a café that was in a previous location and moved his location from Taunton Avenue to Valley Street.
Councilman Lawson expressed concern regarding all the construction and he has not seen an updated comp plan for that area.
Rober Baptista said he spoke to the Waterfront Commission and they confirmed it is zoned for a café. Council President confirmed that they are closed on the Taunton Avenue location. Robert Baptista confirmed he is open to 8:00am to 8:00 pm.
1. Dance/Entertainment License – New
Applicant: Robert Baptista III
Business Name: A Positive Atmosphere LLC dba Atmosphere Café
Business Address: 65 Valley Street, 02914
Robert Baptista shared that he would like to do movie nights, game nights and karaoke. There was a call for public comment, unanswered.
Councilman Lawson confirmed he is not looking to open a club, Robert Baptista said no.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | X |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | | X |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | Second, X | |
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.
A. Parking issues at Waddington School on Glenrose Drive and Lantern Lane – Karen DePasquale
Karen DePasquale shared her experiences of the need for a no parking sign near Waddington School.
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.
Candy Seel spoke expressed concerns regarding the protocol of the design review committee.
XI. APPOINTMENTS – None
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Potential Ratification and Vote on Proposed Agreement with the East Providence Secretaries Association as presented by the East Providence School Department pursuant to Section 10-4 of the East Providence Home Rule Charter- Vote - City Council.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Review, discussion and final ratification of the collective bargaining or litigation related to a modification of section 18.01 of the current collective bargaining agreement related to Detail Pay with East Providence International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 569 – Vote – City Council
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Review Read-in process for One Day Entertainment and Special Event licenses issued through the Clerks office of the City of East Providence – discussion – Council Vice President Rego
Council Vice President raised some concerns about needing to clarify the application process.
4. Update on police station renovation – discussion – Councilman Lawson
Councilman Lawson reported that the Mayor is applying for a grant to match funds. Chief Francisconi reported that he met with the Architect on January 18, 2024 with the most recent plans. The Chief said they requested some additional changes to the plans, the next step is for the plans to go to the cost estimators. Through the State of RI they have an infrastructure grant programs for public safety, for projects already in the works. There is a resolution on the docket for tonight to support this. Councilwoman Sousa confirmed that the architectural firm is JCJ Architects. JCJ has experience designing public safety buildings. Councilwoman Sousa asked for a copy of the architect report, Chief Franscisconi reported that it is not ready yet.
5. Update on status of the FY22 Audit and FY23 Audit – discussion – Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego received the FY22 audit report. Council Vice President stated it seems that there is no room to bond. Director Moore agreed that it would be tough with additional bonds for schools as well. He confirmed that if there was a water/sewer emergency that the city is able to bond. Director Moore confirmed that the city could bond for water/sewer emergencies. Council Vice President expressed concerns for underfunded pension.
6. Handicap parking designation sign at 90 Orchard Street – discussion and possible vote – Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. The Rumford Easter Egg Hunt at Freedom Green March 23, 2024 from 1-3 pm – announcement – Council Vice President Rego
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - For discussion and possible vote – None
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS – None
XV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Appointment/reappointment requiring Council confirmation
a. Keith Gonsalves, reappointment to the Conservation Commission, appointment #1, term 01/02/2023-01/01/2026
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
b. Patrick Hanner, appointment to the Conservation Commission, appointment #9 & Planning representative, term 01/02/2024-01/01/2027
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
c. Wayne Barnes, reappointment to the Conservation Commission, vacant seat, appointment #5, term 01/02/2023-01/01/2026
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Appointment/reappointment not requiring Council confirmation
a. Ron Nawrocki, reappointment to serve as Tree Warden of the City of East Providence, term 01/01/2024-12/31/2024
3. Items for announcement/discussion
a. December capital expenses, finances – Finance Director, Malcolm Moore
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS - None
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Expend Additional Funds for the Storm Drain CCTV Inspection & Cleaning Project Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Proposal With CDM Smith, Inc. for Professional Services for Enterprise GIS Data Development – Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty, Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into an Agreement with Safeware, Inc. for the Purchase of a Detection Meter for the Fire Department – Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the purchase of a fully built Expedition K9 vehicle for the Police Department
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office’s Municipal Public Safety Infrastructure grant program
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote - None
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Approved by Council: March 5, 2024
Attest: ___________________________
City Clerk