CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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 ___X__ Rodericks___X__

 

           

    II.            SALUTE TO THE FLAG

                        Salute to the flag led by Captain Ferrera.

 

 III.            PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

 

1.      Christine Alves 2025 Rhode Island Education Support Professional of the Year – Council Vice President Rego

Deserving candidate for the NEA ESP of the Year Award. Presentation from the City of East Providence and the City Council as well as the State Senate. Thank you speech from Ms. Alves.

2.      Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Councilwoman Sousa presents that the 3^rd of September 2024 is designated as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

3.      Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month

Councilwoman Sousa presents that the month of September is designated as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.

4.      Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Councilwoman Sousa presents that the month of September is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

 

 IV.            CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

 

A.    Council Meeting Minutes

1.      July 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

 

B.     LETTERS

1.      Notice of New Property Number, 1 Pier Road (02914), Map 006 Block 1 Parcel 005.00

Tabled for next meeting due to questions from Council regarding area. 

2.      Notice of New Property Number, 777 Waterfront Drive (02914), Map 007 Block 01 Parcel 001.00

3.      Notice of New Property Number, 600 Waterfront Drive (02914), Map 006 Block 01 Parcel 001.00

4.      Notice of New Property Number, 700 Waterfront Drive (02914), Map 017 Block 01 Parcel 002.00

5.      Notice of New Property Number,  93 Main Street (02915), Map 412 Block 20 Parcel 003.00

6.      Notice of New Property Number, 32 Adams Ave (02915), Map 312 Block 07 Parcel 0013.00

7.      Letter from William C. Maaia & Associates re: Comp Plan Amendment & Zone Change, 0 Wampanoag Trail: request to move from tabled to untabled

 

C.     TAX ABATEMENTS

 

Year	Amount
2024	$12,398.80
Total	$12,398.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

    V.            LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A.    Motion to bundle licenses 1-17

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion, X
Rego	X
Sousa	Second, 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.      Road Race

Applicant: Siobhan Breagy

Organization: Ground Control Events

Location: Pierce Field

Date & Time: May 18, 2025 7:30am-1:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

2.      Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Jessica Mayette

Event: Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

Location: 1336 Pawtucket Avenue (02916)

Date & Time: October 27, 2024 11:00am-6:30pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

3.      Special Events - One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Debra Messinger

Event: Outdoor Wedding

Location: 54 Argyle Ave. (02915)

Date & Time: October 12, 2024, 12:00pm-6:00pm

Type of entertainment: DJ

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

4.      Special Event – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Lucy Fontaine

Event: 50^th Anniversary Party

Location: 60 Berkley Street (02914)

Date & Time: September 7, 2024 6:00pm-11:00pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

5.      Special Event- Liquor-Class F

Applicant: Tracy Johnson

Event: Annual Food and Wine Pairing

Address: 700 Bullocks Point Ave. (02915)

Date & Time: September 5, 2024 6:30pm-9:30pm

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

6.      Sundays & Holidays

Applicant: Nirajan Adhikari

Business: Himalayan Spice

Location: 185-187 Willett Avenue (02915)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

7.      Sundays & Holidays

Applicant: Anyeli Rivera

Business: Pass the Tea

Location: 7 Centre Street (02916)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

8.      Sundays & Holidays

Applicant: Xiaomei Yang

Business: Relax Scalp Spa

Location: 65-R Newport Avenue (02916)

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

9.      Victualing-Class 1 (under 25)

Applicant: Nirajan Adhikari

Business: Himalayan Spice

Location: 185-187 Willett Avenue (02915)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

10.  Victualing

Applicant: Kristin Suther

Business: Compass One dba Eurest Dining

Location: 200 Narragansett Park Dr (02916)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

11.  Victualing

Applicant: Sophia Weisman

Business: Wonder

Business Address: 125 Newport Avenue (02916)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

12.  Mobile Food Establishment

Applicant: Rosadina Acosta

Business: Antojitos Mexicanos

Business Address: 895-899 Warren Ave (02914)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

13.  Solicitor

Applicant: Kelsy Rhines

Business: Power Home Remodeling

Business Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd (02920)

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

14.  Solicitor

Applicant: Michael Flori

Business: Power Home Remodeling

Business Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd (02920)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

15.  Solicitor

Applicant: Devin Ellinwood

Business: Power Home Remodeling

Business Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd (02920)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

16.  Solicitor

Applicant: Michael Borrelli

Business: Power Home Remodeling

Business Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd (02920)

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

17.  Solicitor

Applicant: Robert O’Neill

Business: Power Home Remodeling

Business Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd (02920)

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

               

 VI.            IX.       COMMUNICATIONS-none

            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.

-          Richard Ferrera on Signage: Suggestion to change the Entering East Providence signs to more detailed signs. Asks the City Council to consider this suggestion for budget season.

-          Renee Ignatio (15 Madeline Dr) on City Property: Overgrowth issues in backyard from City Property and had a meeting with the Mayor in 2021 of which was told that someone would come to help with the overgrowth. Council President Rodericks clarifies the issues and asks Chief of Staff to expedite this issue.

-          Nancy Hail on Solving RIPTA: Suggests getting funds for RIPTA to be moving free and build better systems. Suggests a hubless web and instead of hubs having green spaces with shops.

 

VII.            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.

 

VIII.            APPOINTMENTS - none

 

 IX.            COUNCIL MEMBERS

1.      Request for dog bag dispensers and trash at City parks – Discuss – Councilwoman Sousa

Dog Park in Rumford and finishing one in Kent Heights, but there are not a lot of dispensers for bags and trashes for these bags. Asks that the dispensers and trash bags are put in with the grant money for new equipment at the parks getting facelifts (specifically the park at Hall Street).

 

      Council President Rodericks shifts agenda to Resolution 4.

2.      Discussion and possible vote to hire temporary legal counsel for ordinances and resolutions – discuss and vote – Councilwoman Sousa

Workload now falls upon one City Solicitor and would like feedback on the law office and overall terms of workload. City Solicitor informs Council that they have a meeting with one applicant, but there are not a lot of them. Regarding workload, City Solicitor reaffirms that the workload is manageable and caught up. Council President Rodericks recommends keeping this as an open discussion to see how it goes.

Discussion moved to #7 briefly.

 

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

3.      Discuss Second Annual Harvestfest – discuss – Councilwoman Sousa

Councilwoman Sousas announced plans for the Second Annual Harvestfest will be in the works. Keeping the Council and public notified.

4.      East Providence City Council Veterans Advisory Committee update- discuss – Councilman Lawson

Announcement that on September 21^st there will be a hosted information session at 9am at the Weaver Library for a couple hours. Veterans come and there will be information available for them on the various benefits available.

5.      Request for information: each departments surplus or deficit, number of unfilled positions per department, list of all city owned vehicles, date of purchase and what city worker is assigned to each, department budget through the third quarter of FY24 – discuss- Councilman Lawson and Council Vice President Rego

Email sent by Councilman Lawson that was sent to fellow Council with some of the aforementioned inquiries answered. Councilman Lawson reported that the last piece that is being waited on is the city owned vehicles and who is assigned to each. Councilman Fogarty shares similar concern with school budget.

6.      Request for report of work performed and work planned for Glenlyon Field – discuss – Vice President Rego

On the 7^th of May 2024, there was $74,979.39 allocated for a contract with Hartford Paving for the resurfacing of the existing asphalt walking paths surrounding Glenlyon Park. Chief of Staff informed through email that the path’s cracks were filled in and are working with the contractor for resurfacing the tennis, basketball courts, and adding a pickle ball court. DPW is working on prices of painting the courts, removing of fence, replacement of chain link fence, and working to get all-inclusive cost to determine if the existing budget is enough. The solar powered lights are to be installed within the next few weeks. Council VP Rego expresses his concerns that there was allocated money for the path specifically and it still remains undone. Request that the Council be updated on what was paid to vendors and what is left in the balance.

Chief of Staff clarifies on some questions asked. Director Borges addresses concerns that Council VP Rego had about the path and breaks down the allocation that was spent.

Councilman Fogarty submits another request that Council President and Council VP meet with administration weekly or bi-weekly for updates.

Discussion on future projects with Director Borges.

Council President moves discussion to Resolution 2.

7.      Request for increased speed surveillance measures in Rumford between the hours of 4-6pm, Monday through Friday – discuss – Council Vice President Rego

A concern from the people in Ward 1 for more police presence to stop speeding and to stop people running stop signs. Police Chief speaks on the speed studies on the roads in the past with no seen issues. Reports that if there is a factual basis for these concerns then they would look into it. Councilman Lawson expresses concerns regarding the lack of signage on a specific road. Council President Rodericks suggests speed bumps as a solution to the speeding in East Providence.

8.      Request for traffic study for Rumford – discuss – Council Vice President Rego

City Clerk reads out letter sent by Council VP Rego to Mayor DeSilva about a request for a traffic study in Rumford area and other concerns.

9.      Discussion and vote to hire a special counsel to represent the Council in Rumford Motor Inn matter – vote – Council Vice President Rego

Still in pause regarding the timeline of hiring an Assistant City Solicitor and Judge response.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty
Lawson
Rego
Sousa
Rodericks

 

 

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

1.       An Ordinance In Amendment Of Chapter 18 Of The Revised Ordinances Of The City Of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, As Amended, Entitled “Vehicles And Traffic”

 

Summary: Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269 Stop Sign

Bishop Avenue (northbound & southbound) at Pavilion Avenue

                  Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

No public comments and public discussion closed. City Council comments from Council Vice President Rego about cut through and signage.             

Motion by Councilman Rego and Seconded by Councilman Fogarty. Motion passes 5-0.

 

 XI.            CONTINUED BUSINESS

 

 

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

Councilman Lawson suggests voting for Resolution 1 under letter C in New Business in correlation with Standing Item mentioned above.

Councilwoman Sousa expresses that the Washington Bridge closure is still ongoing with work/inspections and that the road ahead is going to be long. Lanes are being closed for more inspections. Put a call out for action for state delegates. Council President Rodericks comments on meetings and other information.

XII.            NEW BUSINESS

 

A.    MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS

1.       Appointment not requiring Council Confirmation

Jennifer Tierney ­– Tree Commission reappointment No. 1, Term 2/17/24 – 2/16/27

Carol Auer – Tree Commission reappointment No. 2, Term 2/17/24 – 2/16/27

2.      Items for announcement/discussion

a.       9/11 Remembrance Ceremony – September 11, 2024 @ 10AM

b.      July FY 24 Finance Reports – Dir. Malcolm Moore

c.       Hispanic Heritage Month

d.      Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

e.       Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

f.       Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

g.      Brazilian Independence Day

Administration reads into record Hispanic Heritage Month and Brazilian Independence Day emphasizing the importance of both of them to the City.

Motion to accept made by Councilman Lawson, Seconded by Councilwoman Sousa – Motion passes 5-0

 

    REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS-none  

B.     REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON-

1.      City Council Discuss East Providence School Department FY 25 budget and capital needs-discussion- Councilman Rick Lawson

Councilman Lawson expresses that the FY 25 budget for the School Department is requesting 57,203,620$ and states that he advocates for that to stay in the budget. Council discusses. Councilman Lawson moves to capital repairs that should also be prioritized. Councilwoman Sousa agrees.

C.    RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1.      Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract with Yiftee, Inc. to Administer a Community Gift Card Program Related to the Washington Bridge Closure

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Fogarty

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

Councilman Lawson speaks on denying this resolution due to previous allocated money for the businesses affected by the bridge closure. Councilwoman Sousa questions how this resolution will work and if it will help the population who needs it. Administration helps to clarify some questions and information on the resolution. Councilman Rego speaks on denying this resolution.

Council asks questions and Maggie and Director Brines answer questions/concerns with providing more information and figures for the resolution.

2.      Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Contract Amendment with Pare Corporation for Construction Services and Contract Administration for the Water Main Cleaning and Lining Project and the Water Meter Replacement Project Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Fogarty

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

Director Borges clarifies the resolution and the usage of the money that would be allocated. Councilwoman Sousa questions a section of the resolution regarding hazardous materials, etc. and Director Borges responds.

Councilwoman Sousa makes a motion to continue to Resolution 3.

3.      Resolution Authorizing The Expenditure Of Funds From The

Live Nation Recreation Fund For The Tent Rental For The

Carousel Food And Wine Pairing

Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

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

Raise money for the carousel, resolution for the City to take on expenses of the tent and set up so all money raised goes directly to the carousel.

4.      Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Enter Into A Contract With ADS Construction, Inc. For The Renovation Of The Police Station

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

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

Chief of Police recommends that ADS Construction, Inc. be the contractor for the job. They were the 2^nd lowest bidder with Tower Construction being the lowest and there was only a 1% difference in their bid with about a $30,000 difference. After bids were made public, Captain Reposa received an unsolicited commentary on the quality of Tower Construction and investigated the commentary further. Issues that were brought up with Tower Construction revolved around going over budget and the quality of the workmanship.

Keith Mercy from JCJ Architecture presents the renovation plans.

 

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

1.      Ordinance - Sec. 18-307 No Parking - Somerset Avenue, Arrowhead Avenue and Kingsford Avenue

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Councilman Lawson

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

Council President Rodericks directs discussion back to Mayor Communications.

XIII.            ADJOURNMENT

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

Approved by Council: October 22, 2024

Attest: ___________________________

           City Clerk