CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

AMENDED DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, November 12, 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 Marcello

City Clerk, Andreza Skipworth

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

            Roll Call

           

            Fogarty X        Lawson X       Rego X           Sousa X           Rodericks X

 

II.        SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

III.       PRESENTATIONS & PROCLOMATIONS

 

1.      Girl Scout Troup 108 Democracy Badges – Councilwoman Sousa – defer to Dec.  ‘24

2.      East End Theatre and Performing Arts Scholarship – Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousa read the proclamation she presented East End Theatre and Performing Arts.

 

III.       EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

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

 

A.    Joshua Moniz-John vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. PC-2019-11725

Update/Mediation from RI Interlocal Trust Attorney Mark Reynolds

 

B.     Darrell J. Robbins vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. PC-2019-12067

Update/Mediation from RI Interlocal Trust Attorney Mark Reynolds

 

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	Second
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	Motion
Rodericks	X

 

VI.       CONSENT CALENDAR -For discussion and possible vote

 

A.    COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

1.      October 15, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

2.      October 22, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

3.      October 22, 2024 Executive Session Minutes

4.      October 29, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

VIII.    LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A.    Motion to bundle licenses C1-C6

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

 

B.     Motion to approve licenses C1-C6

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

             

C.    NON PUBLIC HEARING

1.      License to Solicit

Applicant: Ethan Brown

Business Name: Power Home Remodeling

Business Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston, RI 02920

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

2.      Special Event – Liquor – Class F

Applicant: Emily DaSilva, Church of the Sacred Heart

Event: Paint & Vino

Address: 118 Taunton Avenue (02914)

Date & Time: November 15, 2024, 6:00pm-10:00pm

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

3.      Special Event – Liquor – Class F

Applicant: Jahdae Thomas, Providence Country Day School

Event: Ornament Making Class

Address: 660 Waterman Avenue, Metcalf Building, 1^st Floor (02914)

Date & Time: November 20 and November 21, 2024, 5:30pm-8:00pm

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

4.      Mobile Food Truck – New

Applicant: Sean Reilly

Business Name: Mason & Twine LLC dba Mason & Twine

Business Address: 16 Mason St. Apt. 2, Warren, RI 02885

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

5.      Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Melissa Weaver

Location: 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway

Event: Employee Vendor Fair

Date & Time: December 3, 2024, 10:00am-4:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

6.      Special Event – Liquor – Class F

Applicant: Rita Vargas, St. Francis Xavier Church

Event: Fundraiser Dinner

Address: 160 Orchard Street (02914)

Date & Time: November 16, 2024, 6:00pm-11:30pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

            D. PUBLIC HEARING

 

1.      Annual Renewal of miscellaneous licenses authorization granting to renew subject licenses, excluding alcoholic beverage licenses, for year commencing December 1, 2024 upon application by licensee and approval by Chief of Police and as required by health inspector and other city officials (cont. from 10/22/2024)

 

A motion was made to approve all items for dance and entertainment except for the Myrtle.  The council heard from the public re: complaints. Councilwoman Sousa read an email sent to her regarding the noise coming from the Myrtle. Further discussion will be addressed during the 11/19/24 meeting.

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

 

2.      Annual Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals

Please refer to exhibit “A” for business listings (cont. from 10/22/24)

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

 

3.      Application for additional hours to open between the hours of 1:00am and 6:00am – New

Applicant: Joseph Zonfrilli

Business Name: Jozon Enterprises, Inc. dba Domino’s Pizza

Business Address: 2145 Pawtucket Avenue, 02914

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

 

4.      Dance and Entertainment – New

Applicant: Dennis Leggett

Business Name: East 33

Business Address: 33 Veterans Memorial Parkway

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson	Motion
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

           

Jess Brown – addressed the council with a description of the establishments used as a creative arts & wellness gallery, Commercial multi center including dance performances and musicians.

 

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.      Nancy Hale- Driving and pedestrian safety issues, update, progress, future

Canceled – unable to attend

 

X.        PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE

            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.

 

XI.       APPOINTMENTS

 

1.      Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation

a.       Joseph Votolato – Assistant City Solicitor

 

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

 

XII.     COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

1.      Motion to reconsider fiscal year 2025 capital budget and capital improvement program as amended on October 15, 2024 – Council Vice President Rego

 

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

 

2.      Discussion and possible vote on amendments to the fiscal year 2025 capital budget and capital improvement program as amended on October 15, 2024 – Council Vice President Rego

 

Motion to approve

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego	Motion
Sousa	Second
Rodericks

 

Motion to approve with amendments to Add 70K for a trackless train and others as proposed by Council VP Rego.

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

 

3.      Council consideration of mayor's message of disapproval and veto of Capital Budget FY25 amendments– possible vote to override- City Council - TABLED

 

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

 

4.      Council requests update on all ARPA funded projects – discussion – Councilman Lawson - TABLED

a.       Potter & Burgess Parking Lots

b.      Pierce Field

c.       Storefront Improvement Program

d.      Community Center

e.       Police Department

f.        Crescent Park Concession Stand

g.      Event Pad

h.      Kent Heights

                                                              i.      Adaptive playground

                                                            ii.      Overall project

i.        Art Utility Box Project

j.        Bold Point Park

k.      Oldham School Business Incubator

l.        Oldham School physical building updates; roof, windows and doors

m.    Placemaking- Citywide

n.      Splash Pad- Riverside

 

5.      Discussion and possible vote on City Council sub-committees- Councilman Lawson - STRIKE

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

6.      Requested report on Glenlyon Field detailed accounting – discussion - Council Vice President Rego TABLED

 

7.      City Council Veterans Committee update – discussion – Councilman Lawson TABLED

 

8.      Freedom Green Holiday tree lighting, December 8^th 2pm-8pm– discussion – Council Vice President Rego

 

9.      Discussion and consideration of separation agreement and payment of accumulated time- discussion and possible vote – Councilwoman Sousa – TABLED

 

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

 

 

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

1.      Ordinance of the City Council of the City of East Providence Appropriating up to $5,500 for a Scholarship to the East End Theatre & Performing Arts

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

 

A motion to move this ordinance to III Presentations & Proclamations was motioned by Lawson and seconded by Fogarty; Motin passed 5-0

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

 

XIV.    CONTINUED BUSINESS

 

1.      Request for detailed breakdown of allocation as awarded to the EP Fire Department ($3.75 million) Safer Grant Fund – discuss – Council Vice President Rego - TABLED

 

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

 

1.      Council requested at October 22, 2024 meeting for update on old Union Primary location being developed by Touchdown Realty and an update of review of property from Zoning

 

Council Vice President informed the council that he has issued a report and is giving Touchdown Realty time to comply.

 

XV.     NEW BUSINESS

 

A.    MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

 

1.      Items for announcement/discussion

 

      a. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Update

 

      b. Veterans Business Week Proclamation

 

      c. Small Business Saturday Proclamation

 

      d. Holiday Celebration – Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-7PM

 

2.      Discussion and consideration of separation agreement and payment of accumulated time- discussion and possible vote – Councilwoman Sousa

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

B.     REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS - None

 

C.    REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON

 

1.      Update on meeting with Superintendent and Finance Director regarding financials

 

D.    RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

 

1.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a ground lease agreement with Towerco VI, LLC for a cell tower at Grassy Plains Park

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Lawson

 

The term of the lease will be five (5) years and includes the right to extend the lease for five (5) additional five (5) terms during the term of the lease Towerco VI, LLC shall pay to the City the monthly sum of $2,000 rent which will increase on the anniversary of the commencement by two (2) percent over the rent payable during the preceding year.  Towerco VI, LLC will pay a one-time lump sum payment of $96K to pave the parking lot and drive leading to the property at Grassy Plains Park.

 

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

 

2.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to purchase furnishings for the Police Station

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

The police department recruited bids from three companies for the purchase of furnishings, storage units, etc. for the renovated portion of the police station.  WB Mason won the bid totaling $453,196.84

 

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

 

3.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a maintenance and upkeep agreement with Narragansett Terrace Realty Association

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

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

 

E.     INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote

1.      Ordinance - Chapter 2, Adding Article VIII East Providence School Department Capital Improvement Revolving Fund

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

Motion to move up item

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

 

Motion to approve

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Motion
Lawson
Rego
Sousa	Second w/ amendments
Rodericks

 

Amendments from Councilwoman Sousa: On page 1 to strike “Capital Improvement Revolving Fund Committee” means the committee as establish by Section 2-297 of this ordinance with the duties as set forth herein. Page 2 Strike A. - The composition of the committee shall be as follows to serve for a term equal to the term of the appointing authority including 1-5 and B. Duties - The Capital Improvement Revolving Fund Committee shall be advisory to the City Council and Mayor and shall recommend capital improvement projects related to the East Providence School Department.  Add, each fiscal year (as part of the budget recommendation) the Superintendent of Schools will present to the Council and the Mayor proposed Capital Improvement/Projects related to the East Providence School Department. The formal request, once approved, will be by resolution and presented to the City Council

 

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

 

XVII.  ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

 

If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 401.435.7596 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.