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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.

145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

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, Jill Seppa

I. CALL TO ORDER

Roll Call

Agenda moves to change the agenda to presentations. Councilwoman Sousa moves meeting discussion to Resolution 3 under agenda item Resolution, C. City Clerk Seppa moves discussion to III Proclamations and Presentations.

Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____

Role was not taken, but all councilmembers are present.

II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

III. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

1. Breast Cancer Awareness Month-Councilwoman Sousa

Proclamation for October to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the city of East Providence.

2. Dyslexia Awareness – Councilwoman Sousa

Proclamation for the second week of October to be Dyslexia Awareness Week in the City of East Providence. Councilwoman Sousa differs to the Chief of Staff for the Mayor Communications section under New Business for Item 2.

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session

Pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(1)- any discussions of the job performance, character or physical or mental health of a person or persons provided that such person or persons affected have been notified in advance in writing and advised that they may require the discussion be held in open meeting – City Clerk

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

V. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

Fogarty__X___ Lawson___X__ Rego__X___ Sousa ___X__ Rodericks___X__

VI. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

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

VII. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

1. COUNCIL JOURNALS

1. August 7, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

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

VIII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A. Motion to bundle licenses 1-8

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

B. Motion to approve licenses

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

C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

1. Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Diane Sullivan

Location: Pierce Stadium (02914)

Event: Turkey Trot Race

Date & Time: November 23, 2024 9:00am-12:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

2. Road Race

Applicant: Karen Zyons

Location: Bold Point Park

Event: Providence Rhode Race

Date & Time: May 4, 2024 7:30am-1:30pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

3. Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Villa Putrius

Location: 37 N Blossom St (02914)

Event: An Afternoon of Dance & Music

Date & Time: October 13, 2024 4:00pm-6:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

4. Special Events – Alcohol – Class F1 - full

Applicant: Bryan Benedict

Location: 684 & 700 Bullocks Pt Ave (02915)

Event: 2024 New England Witches Guild Parade

Date & Time: October 19, 2024 11:00am-4:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

5. Food Truck Event

Applicant: Tracy Johnson/Crescent Park

Event: 2024 New England Witches Guild Parade

Address: 700 Bullocks Point (02915)

Date & Time: October 19, 2024 11:00am-4:00pm

Trucks: Atmosphere Café, The Burrito Bowl, All Seasons Café, Teddys Candy Bar, Mikes City Dogs

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

6. Special Event – Alcohol Class F

Applicant: A.C. Peri/Sacred Heart Church

Address: 118 Taunton Ave (02914)

Event: Fall Dinner

Date and Time: October 5, 2024 6:30pm-11:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

7. Sundays & Holidays

Applicant: Djennifer Kaenman

Business: Savage Angel Fitness

Business Address: 321-323 Warren Ave (02914)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

8. Solicit

Applicant: Michael Keeley

Business: Resolve Visionary

Business Address: 2830 Pawtucket Ave (02915)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

A. PUBLIC HEARING

1. Liquor License-Class B (full)

Applicant: Nirajan Adhikari

Business: Himalayan Spice dba SWAD

Address: 185-187 Willett Ave (02915)

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

Council Vice President Rego recuses himself from discussion.

Dan Mercer 1202 Lonsdale Ave, Lincoln RI 02865 (personal) and 185-187Willett Ave, Riverside RI, 02915 (business). Mr. Mercer speaks on the business and on the intension of opening an Indian Fusion restaurant in the space. Public hearing closes after no public discussion.

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. Joseph Botello - traffic speed camera program

Unable to make it to the council meeting.

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.

XI. APPOINTMENTS

XII. COUNCIL MEMBERS

Statement on small business grants for businesses affected by bridge closure and vote on hiring legal counsel to advise city council on legal options against the Mayor for withholding these funds from being dispersed to impacted businesses – Discuss – Councilman Lawson

1.2 million dollars was previously allocated to the City of East Providence as compensation for the businesses impacted by the Washington Bridge closure. Councilman Lawson is looking for council’s approval on getting legal advice on what can be done to make sure the full 1.2 million stays as direct grants and is given to the impacted businesses.

2. Discuss new position for administrative assistant to the City Council – Discuss – Councilman Lawson

Tabled by Councilman Lawson.

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

1. Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of East Providence Appropriating $6,118,625 For The FY2025 Capital Budget And FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

Councilwoman Sousa makes a motion to table until the October 15^th meeting. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0.

2. Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of East Providence Appropriating $229,175,771 For The Support Of The City Government For The Fiscal Year Ending October 31, 2025

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

No public discussion. Motion by Council Vice President Rego to close public hearing. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0.

Motion to table discussion until October 15^th meeting made by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 5-0.

XIV. CONTINUED BUSINESS

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

Councilman Lawson gives update, demolition stalled pending litigators giving the go ahead.

2. Follow up on the implementation of a fourth full time rescue for the City of East Providence – discuss – Council Vice President Rego

Council Vice President Rego speaks on expanding development in the city and how it means expanding city resources. Will be staying on top of this business until it is done.

XV. NEW BUSINESS

A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS- Chief of Staff Patricia Resendes

1. Appointment not requiring Council Confirmation

· Tiesha Nieves Sinouthasy – reappointment to Affirmative Action Commission, Seat 4, Term 5/2/24 - 5/1/26

· Carole Brown – appointment to East Providence Housing Authority, No. 7, Term 10/21/24 - 10/20/27

· Nicholas T. Williams – reappointment to East Providence Housing Authority, No. 3, Term 2/26/24 - 2/25/29

Motion to accept made by Councilwoman Sousa. Seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0.

2. Items for announcement/discussion

· Presentation of the FY 24/25 Proposed Budget – Mayor Bob DaSilva

Key highlights – Budget recommends 195,400,158 million dollars which is a 3.9 million dollar increase (2.09%) from last year. Total general fund expenditure increased. City operating expenditures increase by 1.4 million (1.55%). School department funding rose 2,531,924 million (2.61%). 2.2 million from additional city taxes plus 300,000 of which was other school resources/funding not previously budgeted. Proposed increase 5.3 million dollars is due to 1.8 million increase in Police and Fire pension, a 2.5 million increase for the school department, a 1.3 million increase for municipal salaries and contractual obligations, and inflationary costs and increase of goods/services. Mayor DaSilva emphasizes the support for East Providence schools. Noted that there was a submission of an amended budget due to a change with the school department (state housing aid reduction by 1.365 million decrease). Required to shift 1.365 million from next year’s Capital into the general fund. Proposed budget seeks a 3.5% increase in tax levy. The 5.3 million increase to the proposed budget is being funded with following projected revenue streams: additional 1.4 million in taxes, 1.8 in tangible reimbursement, 1.1 in interest income, 200,000 meals and other state aid, 150,000 in rescue fees, 150,000 in HSGP fire grant, and 300,000 from the schools from other revenue.

· East Providence Fire Rescue Coverage

· August FY 24 Finance Reports – Dir. Malcolm Moore

· Breast Cancer Awareness Month

· 2024 Dyslexia Awareness Week – October 16^th @ 6PM – Light City Hall RED w/ Decoding Dyslexia RI

Work in partnership with Tori Jessup who is involved with Decoding Dyslexia RI and the Chief of Staff invites the City of East Providence to join the event. Docket moves back to Executive Session.

A. Workshop – Discussion Only (page numbers refer to the FY25 proposed budget available online, https://stories.opengov.com/eastprovidenceri/published/XxwJuzw3k6 and in the City Clerk’s office) Pages 1-130

1. City Government

· Mayor’s Office

No questions or comments from Council.

· City Clerk

No questions or comments from Council.

· Law

No questions or comments from Council.

2. City Operations

· Finance Controls & Accounts

· Human Resources

· EEOC/Affirmative Action

Council Vice President Rego speaks on getting an aid/part-time position for this section of City Operations.

Angie Lovegrove – Residence at 235 Don Ave, Rumford. – On the affirmative action committee and agrees with Council Vice President Rego on the lack of staff for the Affirmative Action section.

· Information Technology

Council Vice President Rego wants the Director to be open about where the section is, what it needs, and where it goes (the good and the bad).

Carlos Zambrano, the new Director of Technology for the City of East Providence. Speaks on how good the IT staff is currently and is looking to get grants with the Fire and Police departments to start improvements for the city technology wise. Council Vice President Rego asks if the city is up to speed regarding technology. Director Zambrano responds that it is in the middle. Council Vice President Rego asks about power outages and if individual departments have their own computers to still do their work if a power outage goes down (focused on records). Director Zambrano responds that he has been working with Jill on it, but the previous issues were two different problems, one being a power issue and the other being due to an internet provider outage. Director Zambrano and Council Vice President Rego discuss if the budget is enough for all of the work that is needed to be done to improve the City’s technology.

Mayor DaSilva speaks on every department needing more funding and people, but the City cannot afford it.

B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS-

1. City Solicitor – Executive Session

Nothing to report.

C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON-

Councilman Lawson is putting in the capital for the 3 projects for next meeting.

D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Change Order with Acme Abatement Contractor, Inc. Relating to Removal of Asbestos Found on a Portion of the Roof of the Former Oldham Elementary School

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego, Councilman Lawson

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

Councilman Lawson explains the slight change as Acme Abatement Contractor, Inc. is the sub-contractor and the change order is with the roofing company McKenna. Councilwoman Sousa asks City Solicitor Marcello if the city oversees this. City Solicitor Marcello explains that there is a document the business must fill out on how they dispose, where they dispose, but there is not a specific overseer.

2. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into an Agreement with ITsavvy LLC for Security Training and E-mail Archiving System

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

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

3. Resolution To Reaffirm Relations Between The City Of East Providence, Rhode Island And The Village Of Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal As Sister Cities

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks and Councilwoman Sousa

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

Councilwoman Sousa recognizes the different cultures in East Providence and that all cultures are supported. City Clerk Seppa moves discussion to III Proclamations and Presentations.

E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote-

1. An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 17 Of The Revised Ordinances Of The City Of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, As Amended, Entitled “Utilities”

Summary: Sec. 17-183 ~~day~~ calendar grace period to 7 business days (water

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

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

2. An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 17 Of The Revised Ordinances Of The City Of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, As Amended, Entitled “Utilities”

Summary: Sec. 17-36 7 ~~day~~ calendar grace period to 7 business days (water)

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

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

Ordinances 1 & 2 will have a second passage on the 22^nd of October.

3. Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of East Providence Ordering The Assessment And Collection Of Property Tax On The Ratable Real Estate And Tangible Personal Property

Summary: Sec 16-50 entitled “Assessment” of Article IV entitled “Property Tax on Ratable Real Estate and Tangible Personal Property and Excise Tax on Registered Motor Vehicles and Trailers”

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

4. An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Finance To Borrow Funds In Anticipation Of Taxes

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

5. An Ordinance Authorizing The Director Of Finance To Borrow Funds In Anticipation Of Bonds

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

Ordinances 3, 4, and 5 are motions for first passage and to be discussed in the October 15^th meeting during budget discussion.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

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

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

Approved by Council: October 22,2024

Attest: ___________________________

City Clerk