Click 
to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024
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
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Fogarty__X___ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks__X___
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)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
A. Omsairam LLC d/b/a Rumford Motor Inn vs. City of East Providence
C.A. No. PC-2024-00413
Status Update
B. Richard Kirby vs. City of East Providence
C.A. No. PC-2019-6124
Status Update
C. New Claims
1. Stacy Baker
2. Cynthia Benway
3. Natasha Lobo
4. Marie Lombardi
5. Jaxon Monteiro
6. Kayla Rappaport
7. Leeza Sultan
D. Sewer Charge Abatement
1. Scott Lewis
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 | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. January 23, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
2. January 23, 2024 Executive Session Minutes
3. February 6, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
4. February 6, 2024 Executive Session Minutes
5. February 20, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
6. February 20, 2024 Executive Session Minutes
B. LETTERS:
1. Notice of New Property Number, 48 Bristol Avenue (02915), Map 513 Block 20 Parcel 003.10
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Second, X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. Motion to approve licenses
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Event- Class 1
Applicant name: Terry Carvalho
Event: Annual Holy Ghost Dinner
Location: Sacred Heart Church 118 Taunton Ave (02914)
Date and Time: March 9, 2024 6:00pm-11:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Road Race
Applicant: Amanda Marsocci
Organization: Brown Play School
Date and Time: April 28, 2024 9am-Noon
Modifed date to May 11. 2024
Location: 4 Newman Ave (02916)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Sundays & Holidays – Self Storage
Applicant: Gwyn Goodson McNeal
Business: Life Storage
Business Location: 800 Narragansett Park Dr.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Hawkers-60 Day
Applicant: Alex Mutzabaugh
Business: Keystone Novelties Distributors
Business Location: 40 Highland Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Sundays & Holidays
Applicant: Alex Mutzabaugh
Business: Keystone Novelties Distributors
Business Location: 40 Highland Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Special Event – Class F1
Applicant name: Rita Vargas
Event: St Francis Xavier Church Fundraiser
Location: 160 Orchard Street
Date and Time: March 9, 2024 6:00pm – 11:30pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. Road Race
Applicant: John Benros
Race: Caboverdians 5K
Date and Time: July 7, 2024 8am – 2:00pm
Location: Pierce Memorial Stadium 171 Fifth St (02914)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING - none
VIII. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. February - National Childrens Health Month – Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa read and presented a proclamation for National Childrens Health Month.
2. Excellence of Service – Elmer Pina – Council Vice President Rego
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
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 one signed up
XI. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment to the Library Board of Trustees; Krystal Alves Amoroso – Sponsor Councilman Fogarty
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion, X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Appointment to the Small Business Advisory Committee; Kim Nunes – Sponsor Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Appointment to the Small Business Advisory Committee; David Duarte – Sponsor Councilman Fogarty
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion, X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Update requested on work on Glenlyon field; screening, fence, sidewalks, walking path and walking path lighting. – Receive report – Sponsor President Rodericks & Council Vice President
President Rodericks highlighted that a previous council appropriated funds for low level lighting. Council Vice President reiterated that this was appropriated in the Capital Fund by the previous council. He said last year at this time that the lights were ordered and that the paved sidewalk work would be done. He said he was told that the lights are now coming in at a higher price. Patricia Resendes reported the netting is complete, the fence is to be installed. The walking path will be completed this spring. President Rodericks reiterated that the quote said it included the labor for the fence installation so it should just be a matter of ordering it. Director Resendes said there needs to be a MOU in place.
2. Receive update on Sabin Point boat ramp closure – Receive report- Sponsor Councilman Lawson
Councilman Lawson reported the boat ramp is closed and cement blocks will be placed to block due to safety issues. Councilman Lawson reported that the kayak launch ramp is coming soon.
3. Report on Kent Fields community presentation on February 28, 2024 – Discuss only - Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Fogarty reported on the Kent Field Presentation. He said many people were there to express concerns regarding drainage, trees for shading and the need for restrooms. He said the permits are all set. Director Resendes, April 15 is groundbreaking for Kent Fields with a completion date of September. Council Vice President asked about the Adaptive Equipment. Director Resendes said money is planned to be spent on purchase and installation.
4. Receive report on Storefront Improvement Program – Receive report – Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa asked Melissa Spurr to come up to answer questions. Councilwoman Sousa asked about what the process is for application once the funds were awarded in terms of follow through on work approved. Melissa Spurr, ARPA Project Manager, reported that they are approved, they receive 50% of requested amount and she inspects, takes photographs and releases 25% when half way done and then she inspects the improvements she processes the final 25%. Council Vice President Rego, inquired as to the program requirements in the Department of Treasury, regarding the pandemic and he wanted to know how businesses were eligible if they were not open in March 2020. Melissa Spurr asked about specific businesses. Council Vice President said there are many businesses on the report. Melissa Spurr said when she created the program she focused on the business corridors that were impacted to fill empty storefronts with businesses to lift the corridors out of the declined status. Council Vice President it seems some do not meet the qualifications.
XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - For discussion and possible vote
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
1. Update from December 5th, 2023, on progress of implementing Fourth Rescue for Station 3 – Receive report – Sponsor Vice President Rego
2. Updates from February 20, 2024 meeting
a. Status of DEM permit for Kent Heights and potential impact to timeline – Councilman Lawson
b. Calculation of sewer charges based on an implementation flat fee rate from Water Utilities Superintendent James Marvel- Councilman Lawson
This was not discussed.
c. Update on the inquiry regarding pedestrian crossing signaling devices in disrepair at Broadway and the Fire Station location and Warren Ave. and Seventh St. location – Councilwoman Sousa
Councilwoman Sousa said she noticed these crossing signals are inoperable. Director Resendes said that Director Borges said they are getting prices and installing this spring. Councilwoman Confirmed that some of these are an issue with electricity, Director Resendes confirmed.
d. Receive update on former Oldham building doors, roof and window replacement- Councilman Lawson
Councilman Lawson said this was going to be discussed under Director Resendes report.
e. Receive update from architect on the Crescent Park Concession Stand – Councilman Lawson
August 30, 2023, the City entered into an agreement with Northeast Collaborative Architects to render architectural services, including landscape architecture, structural engineering, and MEP/FP engineering related to the new building on property adjacent to the Crescent Park Carousel;
f. Pierce Field federal grant application status follow up from meeting with Senator Reed- Vice President Rego
g. Review requested financials received February 20, 2024- Councilwoman Sousa
Director Resendes reviewed the reports.
1. Status of capital improvement expenditure balance, open bids, in process status and completed expenditures.
2. Total unencumbered capital funds balance.
3. APRA- Project expenditures and balances
3. Standing Item - Discuss impact of Washington Bridge closure in the City of East Providence – City Council
Council Vice President Rego proposed a Restaurant Week. The consensus of the council was supportive. Council Vice President expressed concern for Henderson Bridge. Director Resendes reported that he is meeting weekly with the Governor, Director Alviti and Liz Tanner.
4. Licensing Discussion: receive report from City Solicitor regarding local and state legislation and fees – City Council
The Council reiterated that if there are issues that they should be alerted.
Council Vice President shared that the council does not want to be circumvented.
Council Vice President shared that the council gets a final write off and Councilman Lawson agreed. They declared as of March 5 that the Council is the final approval on all licenses.
XV. NEW BUSINESS
Dir. of Proj. Mgt. and Communications Patricia Resende
1. Appointment /Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation
Raymond Pouliot, appointment to personnel hearing board vacant position term to expire 12/6/27, appointment #2.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Second, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Appointment/Reappointment not requiring Council Confirmation
NONE
3. Items for announcement/discussion
-Update on ARPA Projects
Adaptive Playground Equipment- Director Resendes says it has been chosen and she will forward the presentation.
Kent Fields- Director Resendes said the ground breaking ceremony is April 15, 2024.
Placemaking- RFP was issues to paint the Seawall at Crescent Park. Councilwoman Sousa asked what the price is. Director Resendes said Melissa Spurr is working on signage concepts. Councilman Lawson asked where the money is coming from for the mural, Dir. Resendes said she would need to confirm but she believed it was a grant.
Splashpad- Applied for a grant for part of the cost at Providence Place Park
Pierce Stadium- Councilman Lawson requested locker rooms and asking that the administration have a future vision for the property.
Oldham School; Dir Resendes said making major improvements did not make sense until they get the feasibility study. Councilman Lawson reiterated that the money is there for the project and Director Resendes said they are waiting to see if they have matching funds. Councilman Lawson expressed that he feels that upgrades to do the improvements should be started. Vice President Rego said waiting for grants instead of doing the work seemed counterproductive.
Director Resendes reported on proclamations and remarkable women’s nominations.
-Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
-Irish-American Heritage Month Proclamation
-Greek Independence Month Proclamation
-International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month Proclamation
-East Providence Remarkable Women Nominations
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Claims Committee Report
2. Solicitors Report
A. Request for public input regarding potential nuisance at 400 Newport Avenue (Rumford Motor Inn) for Attorney General investigation pursuant to RIGL 10-1-1 et seq. and RIGL 11-30-1 et seq. Correspondence may be sent by any private citizen to the City Clerk at jseppa@eastprovidenceri.gov
The City Clerk read this item into the record.
3. DPW Director, Daniel Borges
i. Vote to approve handicapped parking request – 28 Cornell Avenue
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
ii. Vote to approve handicapped parking request – 169 S. Rose St.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution establishing the East Providence City Council Advisory Recreation Board
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution in support of fully funding state aid to libraries to the full twenty-five (25%) percent level
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution requesting the mayor to work with state leaders to compensate local businesses impacted by the closure of the Washington Bridge
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Resolution in support of H-7759 related to “snap shot” reporting repairs/reconstruction of the Washington Bridge
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Second, X | |
| Rego | Motion, X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote-none
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Second, X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Approved by Council: April 2, 2024
Attest: ___________________________
City Clerk