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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES- SPECIAL MEETING

BUDGET HEARING: FISCALYEAR 2025 Proposed Budget

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.

145 TAUNTONAVENUE-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/UC0YEW6s1RpjcKR47VMil1L A

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__X___ Rodericks X

III. EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session, pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(1)

1. Discussion of the job performance, character … of a person provided that the person or persons affected have been notified in advance in writing.\City Clerk Employee Agreement

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

The Council met and discussed the Clerks agreement and no actions were taken.

IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

Fogarty_Second, X____ Lawson___X__ Rego__X___ Sousa __M, X___ Rodericks__X___

V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

Member	Yea	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

A. Discussion and possible vote on changes or amendments to the Mayor’s FY25 proposed budget. A copy of the proposed budget is available on-line at https://stories.opengov.com/eastprovidenceri/published/XxwJuzw3k6 and in the City Clerk’s office

1. City Government

• City Council - Councilman Lawson explored the council wanting their part time person.

• Mayor’s Office

• City Clerk-Councilwoman Sousa requested the increase for department heads.

• Law Questions ensued regarding associate solicitor. Councilman Lawson asked questions regarding Miscellaneous. Director Malcolm Moore explained that the legal in miscellaneous covered excess legal work. Solicitor Marcello also explained that outside arbitrators. There was a debate regarding part time and full time for the solicitor. Council President confirmed that this job was advertised as full time.

• Canvassing

Councilwoman Sousa observed that this year is budgeted the same as FY24. Solicitor Marcellos pointed out that the city had a primary and a special election in FY24.

2. City Operations

• Finance Controls &Accounts -Council President asked Director Malcolm Moore is he is expecting any major increases. Director Moore shared that the assessment line went down. Councilwoman Sousa asked about property line $10,000 in tax collection. Councilwoman Sousa confirmed with Malcolm Moore that it is an annual fee for software.

• Tax Collection

• Tax Assessment

• Human Resources- Director Perry reported that the two major increases are ADP fees. In years of contract negotiations there is an increase in ADP. Sherm society of resources management fees, membership and courseware.

• EEOC/AffirmativeAction-Council Vice President would like to add an assistant part time position.

• Information Technology

• Miscellaneous

• Debt Service

• Capital

3. Community Development

• Planning & Economic Development – Keith Byrnes was present for the hearing, he reported no new line items or capital requests. Council President asked for details regarding open positions. Council Vice President asked if the department has been short about a year. Council Vice President asked how much time is spent writing grants. Director Byrnes said it is flexible but it is worthwhile for how many grants the city is able to achieve. Councilwoman Sousa asked if there are positions paid through grants, Director Byrnes confirmed that there are no grant funded staff. Director Byrnes confirmed that all employees have grant writing experience.

4. Community Services

• Recreation Director Sullivan was present.

• Pierce Stadium – Councilman Fogarty reviewed work being done at Pierce Field and expressed concern about the fencing. Director Borges reported that the bleachers and a composting toilet was recently installed, both irrigation systems are up and running. Director Borges reported that they just got approval for replacement of the backstops. Councilman Fogarty confirmed that the contractors at Hull St are still being held accountable. Councilwoman Sousa asked if the electrician was able to install outlets at Hull St. Director Borges said no outlets were added. Council Vice President asked for an update on the track at Pierce Field. Director Borges has received designs for the track and they are in the process of selecting a design. Council Vice President expressed his wishes for a jump pit for the middle school. Council Vice President asked for an update on Glenlyon. Director Borges received preliminary pricing for the courts. He reported that there might be budget constraints.

• Carousel- Councilwoman Sousa asked how many part time workers there are for the Carousel. Director Johnson said there are 13 part time and one full time.

• Library

• Senior Center

5. Public Works -Councilman Lawson asked where the 2.3 million for roads in the city. Director Borges said one streets are lined this will provide for the most terrible roads to be paved. Councilman Lawson how much is for roads versus sidewalks. Councilman Lawson confirmed it is all for the roads. Director Borges has a one year contract left with Hotmix with the ability to possible extend.

• Public Works Director

• Building Inspection

• Engineering

• Highway/Parks

• Streetlights

• Refuse Disposal

• Public Buildings

• Central Garage

6. Public Safety

• Police Department Councilman Lawson asked if we need to budget for 95 sworn officers. Chief said they only budgeted for a half year. Chief said he is optimistic that the department can get to 95.

• Animal Shelter

• Harbormaster

• Fire Department-Councilman Lawson asked if the fire needs overtime with the grant funded positions. Chief Carey reported that he cut 700,000 out of his budget. Council President asked if the pension fund is solid. Chief Carey said it is not on his side. Chief Carey said the grant will be set up separately and accounted for separately. Council Vice President highlighted that service ward 4 would experience waits. Chief Carey said that Ward 4 is the slowest district.

• Public Safety Communications Councilwoman confirmed that the dispatch is at 11. The contract was just finalized to include 8 part timers.

7. Enterprise Fund

• Wastewater Pollution Control

• Water Utilities

8. East Providence School Department

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

1. 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	X, Second
Lawson	X
Rego	X
Sousa	X, Motion
Rodericks	X

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

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

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

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

4. Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of East Providence Appropriating $6,118,625 For The FY2025 Capital BudgetAnd FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program
There was a discussion about the school bonds. Director Moore said they total about 20 million. Councilman Lawson suggested a subcommittee for next years budget. Chief Carey spoke on the increasing expense of fire trucks.

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

5. Ordinance Of The Council Of The City Of East Providence Appropriating $221,692,101 For The Support Of The City Government For The Fiscal Year Ending October 31, 2025

No motion

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

6. Announcement of Final Public Hearing on FY2024 Budget – October 22, 2024 if necessary

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1. Resolution Authorizing The Expenditure Of Funds To Hire Outside Legal Counsel
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

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

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

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