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Bk. 39 Pg. 398
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 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 _____ Rodericks__X___
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
- Salute to the flag lead by Council President Rodericks
III. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. Commendation for Robert A. Good, RI Wrestling Hall of Fame – Council President Rodericks
- Council President Rodericks read proclamation.
- Robert A. Good thanked the City of East Providence and East Providence High School for everything he’s done.
2. Teacher of the Year for Whiteknact Elementary School, Paula Sarasin – Councilwoman Sousa
IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
Bk. 39 Pg. 399
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
1. Richard E. Kirby vs. City of East Providence et. al.
C.A. No. PC-2019-6124
Discussion, vote, and approval of final settlement documents and authorization of execution of mutual release by Mayor
1. CLAIMS
1. Jennifer Ricard
2. Weixing Wang
- Motion to enter into executive session made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
V. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
- Motion to reconvene to open session made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Fogarty__X___ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa _____ Rodericks__X___
VI. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
VII. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. Council Meeting Minutes
Bk. 39 Pg. 400
1. April 2, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. April 2, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes
3. April 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
4. April 16, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes
B. CALENDAR
1. Add Charter Commission Work sessions Thursday June 13, 2024 , Thursday June 20, 2024 at 6:45pm
- Motion to amend the dates to Thursday, June 13, 2024 and Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 6:45 PM made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. CORRESPONDENCE
1. Receive letter From: J. William Harsch & Assoc. re: Marshall Properties Application./Certificate of Completeness, Etc.
2. Notice of New Property Number, 28 Mowry Ave (02914), Map 305 Block 15 Parcel 006.00
D. LICENSES
1. Read In: Special Events One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Jose Sanchez Ortiz
Location 335 Newport Avenue
Date and Time: May 5, 2024
Type of Entertainment: DJ
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 401
- Motion to approve the consent calendar made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VIII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses
- Motion to bundle licenses made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. Motion to approve licenses
- Motion to bundle licenses made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Event – Class F
Applicant: Ernest Watson on behalf of Crook Point Brewing
Event: Run Rhode Half Marathon
Location: 65 Massasoit Avenue
Date and Time: May 19, 2024 8:00am-12:00pm
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| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Special Event – One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Glenn Fagundes
Event: Holy Ghost Feast
Location: 146 Sutton Ave (02914)
Date and Time: May 24, 2024 6:00pm-10:00pm, May 25, 2024 6:00pm-10:00pm, May 26, 2024 3:00pm-8:00pm
Type of Entertainment: feast/band
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Special Event – Class F
Applicant: Terry Carvalho
Event: Holy Ghost Dinner
Location: Braga Club
Date and Time: May 11, 2024 6:00pm-11:30 pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Special Event – Class F
Applicant: Terry Carvalho
Event: Holy Ghost Dinner
Location: Braga Club
Date and Time: May 18, 2024 6:00pm-11:30 pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
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5. Special Event – Class F
Applicant: Manuel Sousa
Event: Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Feast
Location: 51 North Phillips St (02914)
Date and Time: May 17, 2024 & May 18, 2024 - 6:00pm-11:00pm May 19, 2024 6:00pm-10:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Special Event – Entertainment
Applicant: Nina Guidaboni
Event: Igus Summer Party
Location: 257 Ferris Ave
Date and Time: June 8, 2024 2:00pm-7:00 pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. Special Event – Class F1
Applicant: Nina Guidaboni
Event: Igus Summer Party
Location: 257 Ferris Ave
Date and Time: June 8, 2024 2:00pm-7:00 pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
8. Hawkers- Face Painting
Applicant: Chrissy Rossi
Address: 87 Shore Road (02915)
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| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
9. Hawkers- Handmade Flowers
Applicant: Maria Botelho
Address: 103 Walnut Street (02914)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING-none
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.
- Crystal voices that she would like to see the POW flag and the Rhode Island state flag be reinstated on the flag pole.
- Candy Seal speaks on Metacomet.
- Heather Andrade speaks on the attorney harsh letter.
- Mike Vieira speaks on Myrtle Bar.
XI. APPOINTMENTS - none
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XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Non functioning crosswalk signal lights Warren Ave &7th St and Broadway at the fire station – discuss - Councilwoman Sousa
2. Hattie Ide Chaffee (Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Center) celebrates 75 years of service – Announcement – Councilwoman Sousa
3. Update on City Council Veterans Advisory Committee – Councilman Lawson
- On Saturday, May 11, the East Providence Elks Veterans Committee will host a veteran’s expo with many vendors that deal with veteran issues and veteran causes at the Pierce Athletic Complex at 4:00 PM.
- The Memorial Day Parade is on May 27th, and the parade will step off at 10:00 AM.
- On Thursday, June 6, they are having their next veterans get together at Crook Point Brewery at 6:00 PM.
- The Elks are hosting a whiffle ball tournament fundraiser on June 2nd.
4. Discuss Noise Ordinance concerns Ferris Avenue – Discuss – Council Vice President Rego
- The neighbors are concerned with trash pickup at 4:00 AM.
- Recap of Ward 4 Town Hall Meeting held on April 27, 2024 - Discuss – Councilman Lawson
- Councilman Lawson states that there was a good turnout (around 50 people). They discussed school issues, development, and accountability.
- Discussion of East Providence Small Business Promotion – Discuss- Council Vice President Rego
- Vice-President Rego asks for ideas that will help small businesses. He suggests that the week before the 4th of July, highlight the eight liquor stores and other small businesses.
- Discussion of Signage for Restaurant Week – discuss – Council Vice President Rego
- Vice-President Rego suggests the purchase of lawn signs and/or window cling sings.
- Request update on all ARPA funded projects to include discussion of possible reallocation of unspent funds
A. Police Station
- They have weekly meetings to insure progress progression and to address any concerns.
B. Clam Shack
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C. Splash Pad
- The DEM grant was awarded to cover $200,000 of the $250,000.
D. Placemaking
E. Bold Point Park
- They are working on upgrades this season. They should be done by the end of the year with paving completed for the parking lot in the next several months. The curbing needs to be installed, the lights were wired, and the parking lot was painted.
F. Pierce Field
- They are working with the engineer and architect on the scope of the project. They’re working on the renovations to address a number of issues.
G. Former Oldham building
- Patricia Resende, Chief of Staff, states that they are having a meeting and moving right along with that project.
H. Utility Box Art Project
J. Townie Pride Park
K. Infrastructure
- Kent Heights ground break in terms of adaptive playground equipment was on April 15th. Construction is ongoing, and the expected completion date is late summer early fall.
- There’s a call for artists that’s planned for this month. An RFQ was issued to paint the mural at the Crescent Park sea wall. The selection committee will select the first round of finalists over the coming weeks.
- The city applied for $250,000 in commerce RI streetscape improvement funding. There was a $50,000 match. Features were enhanced along Warren Avenue, including tree plaining, side walk improvements, new trash receptacles, benches, and cross walk replacement.
- Regarding Crescent Park, they met with the architect on the location and the layout of the building.
- Construction for the parking lot on Warren Avenue will begin soon.
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XIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - For discussion and possible vote
1. Outdoor Dining Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Amendments to language related to restaurants and fast food restaurants offering outdoor dining amending Sections 19-1 & 19-284 and Division XXII Entitled Outdoor Dining
- Keith Brynes, director of planning and economic development, reviews the changes regarding the expansion of outdoor dining and answers related questions.
- Chrissy Rossi, 87 Shore Road, asks of the license includes alcoholic beverages.
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Hotel/Motel Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Amend the Use Table to modify the zoning districts in which hotels and motels are allowed and create a new special use permit criteria for hotels and motels amending Section 19-98 Schedule of Uses & Adding New Section 19-360.9 “Hotels and Motels”
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 408
XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS
1. Standing Item - Discuss impact of Washington Bridge closure in the City of East Providence – City Council
- Vice Council-President Rego states that removing the barriers would open up a lane of traffic going over the Henderson Bridge.
- Vice Council-President Rego asks if they are receiving checks from the state of Rhode Island in regards to all of the traffic patrols that they have.
- Patricia Resende, Chief of Staff, states that they have been reimbursed for most of that funding thus far.
XV. NEW BUSINESS
Chief of Staff; Patricia Resende.
1. Craig A. McManus, re-appointment to Economic Development Commission, Appointment 3, Term 05/20/2024- 05/19/2029.
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson and Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Items for announcement/discussion
March FY 24 Finance Reports – Dir. Malcolm Moore
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
EMS Week
Police Officer/ Peace Officer Memorial Week
Jewish American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
World Lupus Day
Bk. 39 Pg. 409
Teacher Appreciation Week
Skilled Nursing Care Week
- Patricia Resende, Chief of Staff, announced these proclamations.
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Solicitors Report
2. Report from Executive Session related to Richard E. Kirby vs. City of East Providence et. al. C.A. No. PC-2019-6124
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON-Councilman Lawson
1. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution Requesting The Office Of The Attorney General’s Nuisance Task Force To Undertake Investigation Of 400 Newport Avenue Aka The Rumford Motor Inn
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution Requesting Full Funding Of State Educational Aid In The Fiscal Year 2025 Governor’s Budget
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson and Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
Bk. 39 Pg. 410
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution Requesting the City Clerk To Publish A Request For Proposal For A City Council Financial Advisor
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Patricia Resende, Chief of Staff, states that their only concern was the procurement process.
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a contract with P & G Irrigation for the Irrigation Improvements at Hull Street Field
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
5. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract With Automatic Temperature Controls for the Removal and Replacement of the HVAC System at Fuller Creative Learning Center
Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty
Bk. 39 Pg. 411
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Fogarty. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
6. Resolution in Opposition to House Bill 2024-H8109 Relating to Taxation—Statewide Tangible Property Tax Exemption
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego, Councilman Lawson, Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
7. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Purchase a Self-Contained Composting Toilet Building for Pierce Field
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Fogarty. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 412
8. Resolution Requesting the Rhode Island State Legislature Support Allocating Funding for Permanent Safety Barriers on Rhode Island's Bridges Over Narragansett Bay
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
9. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract With Hartford Paving for the Resurfacing of the Walking Path at Glenlyon Park
Sponsor:Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
10. Resolution Requesting The Rhode Island Department Of Transportation To Prioritize Completion Of The Henderson Bridge Project And Increase Inspections
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
Bk. 39 Pg. 413
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
11. Resolution In Support Of 2024—H7082 Relating To Insurance--Nonprofit Dental Service Corporations—The Rhode Island Fair Share For Dental Care Act
Sponsor:Council Vice President Rego
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
12. Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Enter Into A Contract For Construction Manager At Risk Services (Cmar) For The New East Providence Community Center
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
- Motion to approve made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote-none
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XVII. ADJOURNMENT
- Motion to approve made by Council Vice-President Rego. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Approved by Council: June 25, 2024
Attest: ___________________________
City Clerk