CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES- SPECIAL MEETING

BUDGET SESSION: FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 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

           

            Fogarty_X____ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa__A_ Rodericks A

 

II.        SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

III.       BUDGET SESSION

 

A. Workshop – Discussion Only A copy of the proposed FY 2025 Budget  can be found at https://stories.opengov.com/eastprovidenceri/published/XxwJuzw3k6 and in the City Clerk’s office for public review

 

 

1.      Community Development

       Planning & Economic Development

Director Keith Byrnes was present to answer questions for planning. Senior Planner position is open. Human Resources is currently interviewing.

 

2. Public Works

    Public Works Director

    Building Inspection

    Engineering

    Highway/Parks

    Streetlights

Director Dan Borges was present to answer questions on public works.

Councilman Vice President Rego asked what positions are available. He reported that Human Resources is in the process of filling.

Vice President Rego asked is hiring a stump grinder contractor then purchasing a stump grinder? Director Dan Borges

Glenlyon, we just received some pricing for basketball courts. Kent Field will be completed next year. Dan Borges is hopeful that Glenlyon will be finished this year.

 

3. Public Safety

    Police Department

    Fire Department

    Public Safety Communications

Chief Francisconi was present to answer questions. Council Fogarty asked how the police station is coming along. Chief reported areas that have been demolished.

Council Vice President asked about open positions. Chief reported that he has 84 officers and budgeted for 95. He said he is functioning with 79. He said he continues to have issues with staffing and there are 3 in the academy. He reported one lateral. He reported having 4 lateral and 4 for hiring. Vice President Rego asked about the timing. Chief said there is an academy now graduating in January and another in July.

Vice President Rego asked if the bonus program in place, Chief Franscisoni confirmed that there are.

Chief Carey was present to answer questions. Councilman Lawson fiscal year was 121 and this year is 116. Carey reported that there 12 will be in a separate budget. Carey says he operates with 115. Councilman Lawson confirmed that 115 gives the city coverage. Council Vice President Rego asked have you factored into your budget the increased development and listed numerous developments?  Chief Carey said he is currently on point with and he will weigh it against previous years at the end of the year. Vice President Rego requested mutual aid report for 2024. Chief Carey said his average is two a day coming in and one a day going out. Councilman Lawson asked is if the predominant calls between 9-5 emergency or transport. Councilman Lawson asked if they are non urgent. Chief Carey said yes.

Vice President Rego asked how many open dispatch positions. Chief Carey said you have all 11, the part timers will be hired in January. Councilman Lawson asked if equipment is good. Chief Carey said yes including the capital request for the truck at station 3. Chief Carey confirmed the purchase was five years ago. Council Vice President asked if the requested truck would have the same capacity. Chief Carey said the requested truck is more compact and more efficient to drive.

Councilman Fogarty asked if there is burn out. Chief Carey said everything is functioning well. Councilman Lawson asked about programming for mental health. Chief Carey said they pay for BH Link in the budget. Councilman Lawson asked if their fire and rescue and police work together for mental health support. Chief Carey said they all work together. Patricia Resendes stepped up to the microphone. There is money set aside for every employee for services. 

 

4. Finance Department

 

Controller, Kim Brown was present to answer questions. Vice President Rego asked about revenue for red light and safety school zone cameras. Kim Brown said an estimated 3 million. Vice President Rego asked about this budget. Kim Brown said she was not sure but about the same.

Vice President Rego asked about how much is estimated to be turned back in revenue.

Sarah Frew tax assessor. Vice President asked how far along with the process. Ms. Frew said they are about 75% of the way. She is estimating that the new values will be posted in Mid March. Council Vice President Rego asked about a jump. Sara Frew said the values are still going up, she estimated 25-30%.

Vice President Rego said that the biggest concern is that the delay is not a good thing. The delay was caused in a once in a lifetime situation, with the pandemic.

 

 

XII.     ADJOURNMENT

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

 

Approved by Council: October 22, 2024

Attest: ___________________________

           City Clerk