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Bk. 39 Pg. 415
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
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
Assistant City Solicitor, Meagan Bellamy
City Clerk, Jill Seppa

Roll Call
Fogarty__X___ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa __X___ Rodericks_____
- Salute to the flag lead by Council Vice-President Rego

1. Teacher of the Year Acknowledgment Kortney Braga, Crystal White, Kelly Groff, Megan Black, Jill Akerman, Tracy Andrews, Kathie Rietheimer, Kaitlyn Barron-Shashok, Lauren Kiendra, Kylie Osterhout, Paula Sarasin – the City Council
- Council Vice-President Rego thanks all of the winners for doing an outstanding job.
- Winners came to the podium to receive their city proclamation
Bk. 39 Pg. 416
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
1. Review discussion and potential vote for ratification of a new United Steelworkers Local 15509 collective bargaining agreement with an effective date of 11/1/23 to 10/31/26
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |

A. Council Meeting Minutes
1. April 2, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. April 16, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
3. April 16, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes
4. April 26, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. READ-IN
1. Special Event- One Day
Applicant: Manuel Sousa of HGBB
Event: Annual Feast
Address: 51 N Phillip St (02914)
Date and Time: May 17, 2024, May 18, 2024, May 19, 2024 6:00pm- 11:30pm
Bk. 39 Pg. 417
C. LETTERS
1. Notice of New Property Number, 35-37 Hoppin Avenue (02915), Map 411 Block 17 Parcel 001.10
2. Notice of New Property Number, 74-76 Hoppin Avenue (02915), Map 411 Block 17 Parcel 005.40
3. Notice of New Property Number, 31-33 Hoppin Avenue (02915), Map 411 Block 17 Parcel 001.00
4. Notice of New Property Number, 8 Sidney Street (02914), Map 411 Block 17 Parcel 009.10
- Motion to approve the consent calendar made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | | |

A. Motion to bundle licenses
- Motion to bundle licenses made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | | |
B. Motion to approve licenses
- Motion to approve licenses made by Councilman Lawson. Motion seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 4-0.
Bk. 39 Pg. 418
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. One Day Entertainment
Applicant: A.C. Peri on behalf of Sacred Heart Church
Event: Annual Feast
Address: 118 Taunton Ave
Date and Time: May 31, 2024, June 1, 2024, June 2, 2024 6:00pm-8:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: Michael Fahim DBA/ Pit Stop
Business: Pola & Antony Inc.
Business Address: 136 Barnes St (02723)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: Tiffany Manzi
Business: Twisted T’s
Business Address: 54 Lyman Ave (02919)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 419
4. Block Party
Applicant: Maureen Maloney
Business: The Sacred Cow
Streets to be Closed: Cross Street between Summitt & N Brow (02914)
Date and Time: May 26, 2024 3:00-8:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Special Events – One Day Entertainment
Applicant: Rita Vargas
Event: St Francis Xavier Annual Feast
Date and Time: June 14, 2024, June 15, 2024, June 16 2024, 7:00pm-11:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Special Event – Class F
Applicant: Rita Vargas
Event: St. Francis Xavier Annual Feast
Date and Time: June 14, 2024, June 15, 2024, June 16 2024, 7:00pm-12:00pm
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: Robert Baptista III
Business: A Positive Atmosphere
Business Address: 52 Burgess Ave (02914)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 420
8. Sundays and Holidays
Applicant: Jim Bojko for Avalara Inc
Business: Snipes
Business Location: 1925 Pawtucket Ave (02915)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
9. Block Party
Applicant: Nina Guidaboni on behalf of Igus
Date and Time: June 8, 2024 2-7pm
Location: 257 Ferris Avenue (02916)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
10. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: Michael Leverone
Business: Birds Nest
Business Address: 67 Main St (01505)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
11. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: Joshua Burgoyne
Business: Mings Asian Street Food
Business Address: 8 Friendly Drive (02888)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 421
12. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: David Turner
Business: Turner Bros.
Business Address: 235 Tiffany St (02703)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
13. Mobile Food Establishment
Applicant: Wanderson Goncalves DBA/ Goncalves Food Truck
Business: WBM Factory
Business Address: 124 Tremont St (02780)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING-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.

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.
Bk. 39 Pg. 422

1. Joseph Medeiros, appointment to Recreation Board - 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 | X | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Michael Vierra, appointment to Recreation Board - 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 | X | |
| Rodericks | | |

1. Review discussion and potential vote for ratification of a new United Steelworkers Local 15509 collective bargaining agreement with an effective date of 11/1/23 to 10/31/26
- 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 | X | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 423
- Councilman Lawson speaks in favor of rehabbing the former Oldham school.
- Councilwoman Sousa asks for the total amount of unallocated ARPA funds, and for the total surplus amount of ARPA funds from the projects that receive ARPA funding.
- Malcom states that he doesn’t have any hard numbers.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
- Councilwoman Sousa asks if the feasibility study taken place.
- Councilman Lawson states that the feasibility study won’t come back for another year. He also states that if they wait for the feasibility study to come back, they will lose the ARPA funding.
- Councilwoman Sousa speaks in favor of rehabbing the former Oldham school.
- Council Vice-President Rego raises the issue of a lack of a 10-15 year maintenance plan.
- States that the kayak proposal will be finalized this week and is in the process of being approved.
- Erik Skadberg states that he is meeting with the contractor on Thursday and that the electrician was there today to wire up the lights.
10. Update on Wampanoag trail Abandoned property Nursing Home/rehab center100 Wampanoag Trail Map 408, Block 10, Parcel 024-00 – discuss – Councilman Fogarty
Bk. 39 Pg. 424
11. Discussion of accountability to Contact RI Energy identifying and removing rotted utility poles. Possible temporary position to identify and compile list(s)of all of our crippling utility poles around the city with follow up on removal dates – discussion - Councilman Fogarty
12. Inquiry regarding timeline for South Broadway underground utilities and repaving estimates – discuss – Councilman Fogarty
13. Discussion regarding the bridge demolition impact on timeline on state roads scheduled to start paving in 2026 – discuss – Councilman Fogarty
14. Request for sidewalks on Pawtucket Ave done in concrete as previously discussed in coordination with our State Paving, Ensuring All handicap entrances and exits are quality for our wheelchairs, bicycles, walkers, and our signage is visible and appealing
-discuss – Councilman Fogarty
15. Request for a monthly update from Architect/Contractor on the Kent Field Project – discuss - Councilman Fogarty
16. Discuss impact of potential sale of Citizens Bank property on Tripps Lane on the City of East Providence – discuss – Council Vice President Rego
17. Request of inspection Silver Spring Golf Course to ensure maintenance on Pawtucket Ave sidewalk/street – discuss – Councilman Fogarty
18. Restaurant Week marketing options – discuss – Council Vice President Rego
19. Paving update timeline and no parking status for Martin Street – discuss – Councilman Fogarty
20. Paving timeline update- Cornell Street- announcement – Council Vice President Rego
21. Recommendation to the Planning Board for waiving outdoor dining fee – discussion only – Council President Rodericks & Vice President Rego
22. Charter Commission update and timeline – discuss only – Council Vice President Rego
1. Standing Item - Discuss impact of Washington Bridge closure in the City of East Providence – City Council
Chief of Staff; Patricia Resende.
1. Retification of United Steelworkers of America, Local 15509 2023-2026 Contract
Bk. 39 Pg. 425
2. Press event on May 24th – Crescent Park Press Announcement - RIDOH has received an EPA grant to work with the City of East Providence to re-designate Crescent Park Beach as a licensed swimmable beach. The project will entail the construction of ADA-compliant public restrooms at Crescent Park and the hiring of lifeguards at the beach to enable formal designation as a swimmable beach.
3. June Proclamations Juneteenth, Day of Portugal, PRIDE Month, Gun Violence Awareness Day, Immigrant Heritage Month
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Solicitors Report
A. Richard E. Kirby vs. City of East Providence et. al.
C.A. No. PC-2019-6124- Report of Final Settlement Terms and Mutual Release
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON-Councilman Lawson
1. Announcement of upcoming events
2. School budget
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution Requesting To Name The Baseball Field At Glenlyon Field "The Bob Long Baseball Diamond"
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Resolution In Support Of 2024—H7658 And 2024—S2968 Relating To
Motor And Other Vehicles—Size, Weight And Load Limits—Weight
Restrictions On Route 114A East Providence
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 426
3. Resolution Amending Resolution No. 107 Adopted April 2, 2024 to Reflect a Change in the Vendor for the Purchase of a Roll Off Truck for the Department of Public Works Highway Division.
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks & Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract With Ti-Sales for the Furnishing and Delivery of Water Meters
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract with Hydro Utilities LLC for the Water Meter Installation Project
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 427
6. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Conctract with O’Brien & Sons for the Installation of a Splash Pad at Providence Avenue Park
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. Resolution In Support Of An Ordinance Appropriating Funds For The Full-Time Operation Of A Fourth Rescue
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote-
1. No parking in select locations on Commercial Way
Summary: Sec 18-307
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Bk. 39 Pg. 428
- Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Sousa. Motion seconded by Councilman Lawson. Due to technical difficulty and on the advice of legal counsel the East Providnce City council will move all remaining items from the docket to the June 4, 2024 city council meeting. Motion passes 4-0.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | | |
Approved by Council: June 25, 2024
Attest: ___________________________
City Clerk