CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, March 19, 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

 

Council President determined that executive session was not needed at this time.

The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,

            pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)

 

1.      Omsairam LLC d/b/a Rumford Motor Inn vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. PC-2024-00413

Status Update

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

IV.       RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

 

Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____

 

V.        MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

VI.       CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

 

A.    COUNCIL JOURNALS:

B.     LETTERS

1.      J. William W. Harsch, ESQ – Membership of the Design Review Committee Article IX, Chapter 19, Section 19-474

           

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
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	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	Second, X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

 

B. Motion to approve licenses

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	Second, X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

           

            C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING        

1. Sundays and Holidays

Applicant: Gustavo Altube

Business: ARG Locksmith

Business address: 272 Warren Ave (02914)

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

2. Special Event : Class F1

Applicant: Alexandra Kavanaugh

Organization: St. Mary Academy – Bayview

Event: Back to the Bay Weekend

Location: 3070 Pawtucket Avenue (02914)

Date and Time: April 25, 2024 - April 28, 2024 4:00pm-11:00pm

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

3. Mobil Food Establishment

Applicant: Jason Totten

Business: Big Dog Eats

Address: 187 N Brow St (02914)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

4. Mobil Food Establishment

Applicant: East Providence School Department : Robert Hanson

Business: Townie Tailgate

Address: 1998 Pawtucket Avenue (02914)

           

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

VIII.    PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

 

1.      Acknowledgement and expression of gratitude for Police, Fire and EMT’s responding to 109 Summit St Structure Fire on 3/9/2024– Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa thanked the police, fire and emt’s that answered the call to her home and for everyday.

2.      Proclamation for National and International Women’s History Month 2024 celebrating “Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” – Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa read a proclamation in honor of National and International women’s history month.

 

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.      East Providence Small Business Owner Forum – hear from the East Providence local business owners, the effects the bridge failure has had on their business.

EP Stereo Plus

-cutting back on hours, cutting back on staff

Marco Pacheco, Jordans Liquors

-99 days and same answers from the start, SBA Loan is ridiculous. The on ramp blocked that usually sees 18,000 customers a day. Grants should be available. Paid taxes on 3/1 with no deferment. He expressed frustration about endless promotions.

Eileen Harvey- Skeffs Pub

-Something out of our control is dragging our businesses down.

-Cutting back in hours and laid off employees.

-People also do not want to drive over the bridge for work. Businesses are struggling to cover payroll, not just restaurants.

Joel Helman- Online Business

-recommended a city currency for promotion sold at a discount but traded for equal value.

Ricky-Trinity Brother Club

-has a local cars only sign posted on the street of his business, not getting traffic

-facing challenges with traffic from Massasoit

-generating income from Rentals and they have gone from 3 a month average to 1 in three months

-can the state help non-profits

Stephen Cass-Rosa’s Tavern

-          2 year anniversary April 6, 2024.

-          Could the state waive registration fees such as an annual $350 fee?

-          Could we have help with advertising?

Joe Perreira-Red Bridge Tavern

-          Moved business and home to East Providence

-          Nobody wants to sit in traffic for lunch and get back in time for the rest of their work day

-          Can you push to get the bridge quicker?

-          Advertising  and marketing would help “Come to East Providence” Campaign

President Rodericks-proposed the idea of a pause of fees and taxes to businesses.

Kim Nunes – Teddys Candy

-          She reported doing a bridal expo but the brides aren’t signing up because they do not want to travel.

-          She spoke on the history of closing a business in Warren due to a sidewalk project and reduced their foot traffic so much.

Councilwoman Sousa read a letter from Natalie from Myrtle.

-we need more than loans

My husband Tommy and I opened Myrtle, a bar, music venue and vintage shop, located on Waterman Ave, last September, only a few months before the bridge disaster. We've been working in the service and music industry for the last 20 years, and when I say that this business was our ultimate dream, I mean we had to pull some serious support from friends and family to see it realized. As a mother to a special needs child, I decided that being there for him tonight was more important than telling our struggles, once again, and Tommy is running sound for 3 amazing artists playing our bar tonight.

Normally, I'd be asking everyone to come to the show in support tonight, but instead I've been reaching out to small businesses to come to this meeting to tell their stories, in hopes that someone will listen. We know as business owners we are tasked with this kind of invisible labor all of the time, which takes away from our ultimate goal: creating a small business that helps us and our community to THRIVE.

I've been very vocal about the ways in which we've been impacted. We opened our business specifically because of the access from 195 for our many patrons, artists, and employees to access our great city from places other than East Providence. We build our entire mission on bringing people here and have spent years building trust that East Providence is an amazing place to visit, spend money, have an experience, and to learn from the diverse community that lives and works here. This trust has been fractured by the bridge disaster we're facing.

We know we need more than loans. Not only are loans a band-aid, one that you wear then peel off and have to pay for later, but they are almost impossible to get. We need grants, true understanding of our struggles, apologies, and acknowledgement for the hard work we've done to make Rhode Island the creative, special place that it is.

We will be holding a small business brunch this Sunday, March 24 from 12-3pm catered by Rosa's Tavern, where businesses can sit and talk with each other and figure out ways we can continue to lift each other during this time. We see you and appreciate you and know that our business is also reliant on your success.

 

Councilwoman Sousa recommended that maybe Secretary Amore could provide relief from fees on corporate taxes and possible stipends.

 

Bob Ferrier – Director of Business League

 

-          Enacted during COVID and now actively assisting businesses.

-          They are providing participants advertising

-          Announced event on Thursday March 21 at the Riviera, a small business support forum.

 

Vice President Rego highlighted that this is an ongoing problem that needs a long term solution.

Councilman Fogarty thanked small businesses for taking time out to share their concerns. Small businesses deserve support and updates.

Councilman Lawson reiterated that this situation is a result of mismanagement. He reported he has no problems waiving tangibles. A budget is a set of priorities and we need to ask that this is a state priority. He also reported that the school is experiencing increased expenses.

 

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 about letter from Solicitor Hairsch in favor of the Council reviewing the Design Review Commission membership. Council Vice President Rego asked the Solicitor to review the membership.

Aaron Reed suggested a lower bridge that would cost less and be quicker to build.

 

XI.       APPOINTMENTS

1.      Appointment to the Small Business Advisory Committee-Jennifer Voll-sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Second, X
Rego	Motion, X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

 

2.      Appointment to Waterfront Commission- Robert Andrade- Sponsor- Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

 

XII.     COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

1.      Announcement- Rumford Easter Egg Hunt Sunday March 24, 2024 at 1:00pm at Freedom Green Park– Council Vice President Rego

Vice President Rego announced the East Egg Hunt.

 

2.      Announcement – East Providence Veterans Get Together Thursday March 28, 2024 6:00pm-8:00pm at Skeffs Pub 507 North Broadway, East Providence – Councilman Lawson

Councilman Lawson announced the East Providence Veterans Get Together.

 

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

 

1.      Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of East Providence Appropriating $95,000.00 For A Roll Off Truck For The Highway Department

Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Motion, X
Lawson	Second, X
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	X

 

2.      An Ordinance In Amendment Of The City Of East Providence 2010-2015 Comprehensive Plan Map 4 of the City of East Providence 2010-2015 Comprehensive Plan Update entitled “Southern East Providence Generalized Land Use,” is hereby amended to identify the property designated as Assessor’s Map 709, Block 1, Parcel 1 as “Mixed Use.”

 

Summary: Comp Plan

Petitioner: JAG Properties LLC

Street address: 0 Wampanoag Trail

 

To be continued to April 16, 2024

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

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: Petition for zone change from I-1 to C-2

Petitioner: JAG Properties LLC

Street address: 0 Wampanoag Trail

Location: Map 709, Block 1, Parcel 1

 

To be continued to April 16, 2024

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

XIV.    CONTINUED BUSINESS

1.      Standing Item - Discuss impact of Washington Bridge closure in the City of East Providence – City Council

 

XV.     NEW BUSINESS

 

A.    MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

B.     Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation

C.    Michael Robinson, reappointment to Planning Board, Ward 3 Seat, Term:1/16/24 – 1/15/29

Councilwoman Sousa made a motion, Councilman Lawson seconded and all were in favor.

D.    Appointment/Reappointment not requiring Council Confirmation

a.       NONE

E.     Items for announcement/discussion

a.       Update on Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank grant – Crescent Beach shoreline.

Director Resendes reported that East Providence received 1.8 million towards the stabilization of the shoreline. This is phase two.

b.      Pierce Field Award – The Pierce Field Handicap Accessibility and Turf Resurfacing Project will provide handicap accessibility to access the track, field, and entertainment venue at Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence. The project also includes resurfacing the existing natural grass field and deteriorating track with a new artificial turf field. This project will make Pierce Field more accessible and sustainable and allow the stadium to continue as a center of civic and recreational use for East Providence.

Director Resendes announced receipt of a two million award for Pierce Field. The Council highlighted the following needs: updated bathrooms, updated concession stand, security cameras and lighting

c.       Small Business Resource Fair: City, in collaboration with several organizations, is hosting this on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 6-8PM @ Riviera.

Director Resendes announced the above listed event.

d.      City of East Providence Police have received accreditation from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission

Director Resendes announced the above listed accomplishment.

 

F.     REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS  

1.      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

 

G.    REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON

Councilman Lawson reported that the school is incurring $9000 in costs a month as a result of the bridge closure. Spring Sports have officially started and encouraged people to get involved in reading to kids.

 

H.    RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract with Arista Information Systems for the Printing and Mailing of Utility Bills

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

2. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract with New Venture Advisors LLC to Conduct a Feasibility Study on the Conversion of the Former Oldham Elementary School Into a Small Business Incubator

Sponsors: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Lawson

Councilman Lawson inquired to Director Resendes if they are moving forward with windows, door and roof. Director Resendes said the administration wants to wait get the results from the feasibility study to see if it is necessary. Councilman Lawson reiterated that the windows, doors and roof should be moving forward since the money has been allocated.  Vice President Rego said that the windows and incubator are separate allotments. Council Fogarty asked if anything is done on the windows, roof and doors? Councilwoman Sousa expressed frustration that money goes to firms before any shovels are in the ground and it seems like some work should be done.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

3. Resolution in Support of Amendments to R.I.G.L. 45-24-38 Entitled "General Provisions—Substandard Lots of Record"

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

4. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract Amendment for Additional Services Related to the New Building on Property Adjacent to the Crescent Park Carousel

Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

5. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Purchase a Twenty (20) Passenger Commercial Bus for the Recreation Department

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

 

6.      Resolution In Support Of S-2727 Related To “Snap Shot” Reporting Of 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

 

7.      Resolution Establishing The First Annual East Providence Restaurant Week

 

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego, Council President Rodericks, Councilwomen Sousa, Councilman Fogarty, Councilman Lawson

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	X
Rego	Motion, X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

 

8.      Resolution In Support Of S-2560 Related To Residence Of Children For School Purposes

 

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

 

I.       INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote

 

1.      An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 16 Of The Revised Ordinances Of The City Of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, As Amended, Entitled “Taxation”

 

Summary: Adding Article XI. Tax Stabilization Agreement

 

           Sponsor: Council President Rodericks and Council Vice President Rego

This item was tabled for further study.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

XVII.  ADJOURNMENT

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, X
Rodericks	X

 

 

Approved by Council: April 2, 2024

                                                                                                                       

Attest: ___________________________

           City Clerk