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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
6:30PM
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EXECUTIVE SESSION- CONFERENCE ROOM A
OPEN SESSION WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW EXECUTIVE SESSION
Notice: the meeting will 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___A__ Rego__X___ Sousa__X___ Rodericks __X___
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
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 | X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Seconded, X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
IV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____
V. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR-For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
1. August 20, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. September 3, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
3. September 17, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
4. September 17, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes
5. October 1, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
6. October 1, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes
7. October 8, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. LETTERS
1. Notice of New Property Number, 100 East Point Drive (02916), Map 203 Block 01 Parcel 007.100
2. Notice of New Property Number, 102 East Point Drive (02916), Map 203 Block 01 Parcel 007.102
3. Notice of New Property Number, 108 East Point Drive (02916), Map 203 Block 01 Parcel 007.108
4. Notice of New Property Number, 130 East Point Drive (02916), Map 203 Block 01 Parcel 007.130
5. Notice of New Property Number, 132 East Point Drive (02916), Map 203 Block 01 Parcel 007.132
6. Notice of New Property Number, 140 East Point Drive (02916), Map 203 Block 01 Parcel 006.140
C. TAX ABATEMENTS
| Year | Amount |
| | |
| 2024 | $6196.28 |
| | |
| Total | $6196.28 |
Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa for Consent Calendar to be approved as read, Seconded by Councilman Fogarty, 4-0 motion passes.
VII. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses 1-6
(7 & 8 are not included in bundle.)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Second, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. Motion to approve licenses
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Second, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Solicitor License
Applicant: Scott Kaeller
Business: Power Home Remodeling
Business address:2000 Chapel View Rd (02920)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
2. Solicitor License
Applicant: Devon Williams
Business: Power Home Remodeling
Business address:2000 Chapel View Rd (02920)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
3. Solicitor License
Applicant: Frank Greene
Business: Power Home Remodeling
Business address:2000 Chapel View Rd (02920)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
4. Special Event – One Day
Applicant: Janna Espada
Event: Halloween Party
Location: 40 Oak Ave (02915)
Date & Time: October 26, 2024 6:30pm-11:00pm
Type of entertainment: Music
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
5. Special Event – One Day
Applicant: Michelle Perry/ Library
Event: Pumpkin Stroll
Location: 41 Grove Ave (02914)
Date & Time: October 24, 2024 5:30pm-7:30pm
Type of entertainment: lawn event/food trucks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
6. Special Event-Class F
Applicant: Alexandra Kavanagh/St Mary Bayview Academy
Address:3070 Pawtucket Ave (02915)
Date & Time: November 21-24, 2024 6:00pm-10:00pm
Event: Addams Family Theatre Production
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
7. 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.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Councilwoman Sousa proposes doing a separate bundling section for entertainment licenses as they are additional licenses. Councilwoman Sousa makes the motion to send this to the first council meeting in November (the 12th of November), but requests that the licenses be separated accordingly (3 different categories).
8. Minas Café Entertainment license passed April 2, 2024 subject to 6 month review
Address: 315 Waterman Ave (02914)
Councilwoman Sousa clarifies that she has not had any complaints or inquiries from the community regarding the business since the meetings that were held about it. Councilwoman Sousa says she is okay with renewing their license this year based off of feedback from community.
D. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Annual Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals
Please refer to exhibit “A” for business listings
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Motion to continue this discussion of licensure to the November 12th meeting without further advertising by Councilwoman Sousa, Seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 3-0 with 1 recusal (Council Vice President Rego).
VIII. 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. Marissa Jenkins – public safety issue with fence abutting Jay Street
Christopher Kuster & Marissa Jenkins (Husband & Wife) own property on 74 Jay St in Rumford. The fence in question separates the new condos from their property and two other neighbors on Jay St with an additional 3-5 properties on Haliburton Rd. Fence is old, rusted, broken, and a large hole on the bottom of the fence. Mr. Kuster reads off notes from developer’s proposal and ends in saying that the realtor was found not responsible by the zoning committee to replace the fence and that the city was. He is hoping that the city will take action.
VP Rego and Councilwoman Sousa express concerns that it should be the developer/realtor’s responsibility as they acquired the land. Councilwoman Sousa asks when the meeting was held with the zoning committee and if Mr. Kuster has notes from it. City Solicitor clarifies the zoning meeting and the other questions and concerns expressed from Council.
VP Rego asks for any course of action that the council can take to hold Touchdown Developer accountable for lack of delivery on upkeep and projects. Councilwoman Sousa asks City Solicitor if the Council can inquire the minimum housing officer to take photos/contact/file a complaint on behalf of the council.
Council President Rodericks asks Mr. Kuster and Mrs. Jenkins if they asked the developer/realtor to fix the fences/if they have gotten in touch with the company. They respond that they have had many meetings and that the company was present at the zoning meeting as well and no action has been taken.
Further discussion on what was supposed to be done and the different meetings that have taken place.
Council President Rodericks asks for specifications on what the couple is asking for and they clarify that they want the whole fence removed.
Councilwoman Sousa wants to get this on the docket for the November 12th meeting for review.
IX. 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.
Patricia Rendi asks to read Mayor Communications, council agrees.
Two proclamations that were submitted and she reads out the Native American Heritage Month proclamation (November). There are also the September finance review in council’s packets followed by a reminder to the council and to the public that the annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be on November 11th at 10:00am at the Garden of Flags. There is also a notice to everyone that they will be holding the annual Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 7th from 4-7 at the City Hall Plaza and a rain date of Sunday, December 8th. Ms. Rendi then reads into record the Diwali Festival of Lights (October 28th to November 3rd)
Council President Rodericks informs the public and the council that there will be a Veteran’s appreciation dinner on November 13th with full details being published on the City’s website and social media.
X. APPOINTMENTS
1. Mike Kennedy- Crescent Park Advisory Commission appoint to Appointment 1,10/22/24-1/5/27-Councilman Lawson
2. David Luiz- Crescent Park Advisory Commission appoint to Appointment 4,10/22/24-1/5/27- Councilman Lawson
3. Dennis Thibeault- Crescent Park Advisory Commission appoint to Alternate 1,10/22/24-1/5/27-Councilman Lawson
4. Catherine Viera Baker- Crescent Park Advisory Commission appoint to Alternate 2,10/22/24-1/5/27-Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Seconded, X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XI. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Council requests update on all ARPA funded projects – discuss – Councilman Lawson
a. Potter & Burgess Parking Lots
Both parking lots have been paid and fencing should be in next week. Still waiting for lights due to back order, but they should tentatively be installed by mid-November. Parking lots can be used once fencing is installed.
b. Pierce Field
Just received design proposal to complete upgrades at the stadium and will be preparing a presentation for the council to identify improvements and to approve contract at a future council meeting.
c. Storefront Improvement Program
No updates
d. Community Center
Plans and specifications are progressing – Bentley Builders is in the process of estimating final cost for project and should be presenting to the council in the next month or so.
e. Police Department
Demolition is still on-going
f. Crescent Park Concession Stand
Plans are nearly finished and project should be going out to bid in a couple months.
g. Event Pad
No update.
h. Kent Heights
i. Adaptive playground
Playground equipment is being installed with final rubber surface to be tentatively installed next week.
ii. Overall project
Progressing – walking paths and Dog Park near completion. Paving for new courts has received binder course and top course should be installed in the coming months along with remainder of walking path surrounding the playground area. Parking lot improvements are likely to occur in Spring of 2025.
i. Art Utility Box Project
In progress.
j. Bold Point Park
Walking paths are complete with line striping and final pavement completed over the last month. Bench pads will be installed in the coming months. Lighting will be completed over the winter. Kayak mat launch to be installed wthis spring.
k. Oldham School Business Incubator
l. Oldham School physical building updates; roof, windows and doors
Roof project materials have been delivered, asbestos abatement has begun, and roofing replacement is to occur soon thereafter.
m. Placemaking- Citywide
In progress.
n. Splash Pad- Riverside
Splash pad in Riverside has been ordered with a tentative installation as March/April of 2025. Hoping to have splash pad completed by Memorial Day.
Council President Rodericks asks for Chief of Staff to summarize the Councilman’s list.
Council VP Rego expresses concern for about how much of the APRA funds allocated to these projects has been used and what is not allocated/used. Splash Pad was a grant. VP Rego would like to see what funds are actually left and available. He would like to use whatever may be left over to finish Glenlyon Park Project and the Bourne Park Project.
Chief of Staff clarifies that Councilman Lawson asked for an update separately on the financial views of these projects via email.
2. Discussion and possible vote on City Council sub-committees- Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Council President Rodericks asks to wait for Councilman Lawson to be present for this.
3. Requested report on Glenlyon Field detailed accounting – discuss - Council Vice President Rego
Council VP Rego gives update provided by Chief of Staff on Glenlyon Field. As summarized, 160,000$ is left on the two projects and states that they may need more APRA funds. VP Rego asks that DPW check the post where the new solar lights have been installed as the metal fixtures are a seeming safety hazard. Specifically, the cement holding the screws that hold it in.
4. City Council Veterans Committee update – discuss – Councilman Lawson
Previously mentioned appreciation free dinner for any Veterans on November 13th with no exact location as of yet.
5. Request for detailed breakdown of allocation as awarded to the EP Fire Department ($3.75 million) Safer Grant Fund – discuss – Council Vice President Rego
Council VP Rego asks for a report on the breakdown of Fire Personnel Equipment and anything around that so that way the council knows what is what on the grant (regarding personnel vs equipment). Chief of Staff responds that she can do that, and the Fire Chief spoke on the basic breakdown of the budgeted/allocated money.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for final passage - 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 - 7 calendar day grace period to 7 business days (sewer)
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Finance director discusses the issues with the current timeframe and explains the process that they go through to get everything out and this process makes it a tight timeframe.
Councilwoman Sousa expresses her concerns with the timeframe being in place to allow those who need to get their bill to be able to get to the City Hall.
Council expresses concerns with moving the timeframe due to timings of paychecks, getting to city hall, availabilities, etc.
Councilwoman Sousa amends her motion to continue the ordinance for the meeting on the 19th of November. Councilman Fogarty agrees and amends with Councilwoman Sousa.
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 - 7 calendar day grace period to 7 business days (water)
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | | |
| Rodericks | | |
Table of 1 & 2 for continued discussion on November 19th. Motion passes 4-0.
XIII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
XIV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation
· Matthew Gunnip, appointment to Zoning Board of Review, Ward 2, Appointment 6, Term 5 years. Term 8/21/2024-8/20/2029
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Second, X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Items for announcement/discussion
· Native American Heritage Month
· Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11, @ 10 AM, Garden of Flags
· Annual Holiday Celebration Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 4-7 PM City Hall Plaza; Rain Date Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
Mentioned Above!
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS - none
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution Authorizing the Expenditure of Funds to Support the East Providence Historical Society's Horse Drawn Holiday Hayride Event Sponsor: Council VP Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Council VP Rego looks for 750$ towards this hayride.
2. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract with Manafort Brothers, Inc. for the Booth Avenue Slope Stabilization Project Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Within the RI Infrastructure Bank Water Fund to cover this.
3. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract with Robert H. Lord Company, Inc. for the Design, Purchase and Installation of Library Furnishings Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
$127,375 is from a grant awarded by the Champlain Foundation.
4. Resolution Requesting the Department of Public Works Purchase and Install Place Maker Banners Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Seconded, X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Councilwoman Sousa reads the resolution into record and wants to clarify that there was a substantial amount of funds left in line items to complete this.
5. Resolution Requesting a Review of All Crosswalk and Pedestrian Crossing Traffic Devices Within the City Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Councilwoman Sousa reads the resolution into record. Moves for first passage with a second from VP Rego. Councilwoman Sousa is just looking for an actual result after hearing it’s in progress for a long time. The RRFB has a solar option which does not require any electrical which may help the installation.
Chief of Staff provides an updated report. The city is working with BHB who has performed an assessment of all signals city wide and they are currently reviewing the findings and working with BHB on fixing the issues found. They do have a 12 page report on the signals with recommendations and the different priorities and long-term planning.
6. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Purchase the Property Located at 0 Pawtucket Avenue Sponsor : Councilman Fogarty
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Councilman Fogarty asks for this lot to be purchased for the winter and for the parents who pick up their kids in that area. This will be funded by APRA funds. Councilwoman Sousa asks if the lot would need paved, lights, etc. There is clarification that the lot will need paved, striped, and maybe more. Sousa then asks if there would need more money allocated. Council VP Rego also requests clarification on where the APRA funds are coming from because previously the council was told that there were no funds remaining. Council President Rodericks and the Chief of Staff clarifies where the funds are coming from (Project from Barrington 1.6 M)
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - 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
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Seconded, X | |
| Sousa | Motion, X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Funds are coming from the $50,000 that was associated with the citywide utility arts project. The Arts and Theatre have many camps for arts and other related areas for students in East Providence.
2. Ordinance - Chapter 2, Adding Article VIII East Providence School Department Capital Improvement Revolving Fund Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded, X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Motion, X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
High School Bond Committee has 3.2 Million left over. The committee is ready to close out the bond and any extra funds go to the city. The feelings of the council say to keep the money for school improvement but there are others that have other ideas for the funds. Council VP Rego states that with the amount of money and timeframe for this ordinance that the council member that is missing should be present for this discussion (the November 12th meeting). VP Rego makes a motion for this discussion to be moved to the November 12th meeting and Councilman Fogarty seconded. City Solicitor is tasked with getting more information about the bond and if it can be put in what accounts, etc. He then explains how the bonds help revolving funds and how it keeps putting money back into the schools and the city.
Motion above is for moving discussion and ordinance to City Council Meeting being held on November 12th.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | | |
| Rego | Motion, X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Approved by Council: November 12, 2024
Attest: ___________________________
City Clerk