I.          CALL TO ORDER

            Roll Call

Fogarty_A____ Lawson__X___ Rego__X___ Sousa ___X__ Rodericks__X___

II.        SALUTE TO THE FLAG

III.       PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS-

IV.       EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,

            pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(1)- personnel, notice given

A.    City Clerk

RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2) litigation

B. Claims

            1. Mario Correia

            2. William Nichols

            3. Edward Tanguay

C. Sewer Charge Abatement

            1. JMB Enterprises

IV.       RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

Fogarty_____ Lawson___X__ Rego_X____ Sousa _X____ Rodericks_X____

V.        MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

Councilwoman Sousa reported that the City Clerks position was discussed and no vote was taken.

VII.     CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote –

A.    TAX ABATEMENTS

VIII.    LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A.    Motion to bundle licenses 1-6

B. Motion to approve licenses

C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

1.      Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Diane Sullivan

Location: 610 Waterman Avenue (02914)

Event: East Providence Winterfest

Date & Time: December 14, 2024 3:00pm-7:00pm

2.      Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Melissa Miceli

Location: 33 Linden St (02914)

Event: Sixtieth Birthday Party

Date & Time: October 5, 2024 4:00pm-11:00pm

3.      Special Events – One Day Entertainment

Applicant: Celeste Bremer

Location 7 Forbes St (02915)

Event: Gluten Free Food Fest

Date & Time: October 4, 2024 5:00pm-8:00pm

4.      Food Truck Event

Applicant: Tracy Johnson/Crescent Park

Address: 700 Bullocks Point (02915)

Date & Time: October 5, 2024 11:00am-6:00pm (rain date October 6, 2024)

5.      Special Event – Alcohol

Applicant: Jahdae Thomas

Address: 680 Waterman Ave (02914)

Event: Alumni Dinner

Date and Time: October 18, 2024 6:00pm-10:00pm

6.      Mobile Food Establishment

Applicant: Caitlin White

Business: Iggys Food Truck

Business Address : 860 Oakland Beach Ave (02888)

D.    PUBLIC HEARING

1.      Liquor License-Class BV

Applicant: Victor Foley

Business: The Outsider Cooking Company

Address: 1055 South Broadway (02914)

Council Vice President recused himself and left the chambers for the hearing.

Applicant was present and gave an overview of his business.

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.

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.

1.      William Lewis – Water Sewer Billing-not present

2.      John R Peters re- Sabin Point Health Hazard

3.      Candy Seel spoke on public safety at the parkway

4.      Nancy Hale spoke on recycling and sustainability

XI.       APPOINTMENTS - none

XII.     COUNCIL MEMBERS

1.      City Council - Administration Communication – discussion – Council President Rodericks

Council President raised this matter highlighting that he had a conversation with the Solicitor. He noted that the charter says that Council should not interact with City Staff. He clarified the point that the word in the charter inquiry means that the council can conduct an inquiry into a department. Solicitor Marcello confirmed it means that the council can conduct an inquiry of a department. Council President reiterated that the elected officials have an obligation to get information for their constituents. Councilman Lawson asked for clarity if he can email Department Heads. Councilman Lawson read the piece of the charter in question. Councilman Lawson confirmed with the Solicitor and asked if the council is not allowed to contact department heads directly. The Solicitor confirmed that this is correct, the Council can not contact department heads.

Chief of Staff Resendes said her view is that we are all a team. She highlighted that she gets text messages at 7am. and it would be helpful if the council all contact her in the same way.

Councilman Lawson said it seems in conflict with the concept of transparency to not be able to ask for information.

2.      Open discussion on the proposed plan to disperse $1.2 million meant for small business impacted by the bridge closure – discuss – Councilman Lawson

Councilman Lawson reported that business owners are not happy with the small business grant amounts. He said he would like to ask RI Commerce if the amounts can be increased for availability to small businesses.

3.      Update on Volkswagon Settlement Funds for Sabin Point-discuss – Councilman Lawson

Councilman Lawson said a few years ago and is looking for an update.

4.      Update on crosswalk light repairs and replacement citywide – Discuss – Councilwoman Sousa revisited the crosswalks at Reynolds/Broadway and Warren Ave/Purchase in the Seventh Street area. She highlighted that these are high traffic areas with schools and a lot of pedestrian traffic. She reported that several months ago she was told a piece was ordered to repair. She requested an update with detailed information.

5.      Councilwoman Sousa shared that she has been asking for months for the non-functioning crosswalks Warren Avenue, Broadway and Reynolds

Councilwoman Sousa discusses the on-going safety issue that is the crosswalks, emphasizing that the community is confused on why there has been no solution. DPW last update was that the piece for the lighting fixture has still yet to come in. Councilwoman Sousa again asks respectfully that the administration expedite this safety concern and brings proof that something has been done to start the repairs. Councilwoman Sousa highlights that sometimes the safety patrol vehicle put in place to stop cars from blocking the box, sits on the sidewalk which obstructs the walkway for pedestrians.

Councilman Lawson updates that the Washington Bridge destruction is being halted to preserve evidence for the state lawsuit.

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

XIV.    CONTINUED BUSINESS

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

Councilman Lawson and VP Rego received a text from a reporter detailing that the Washington Bridge demolition work is being halted to preserve evidence for the state lawsuit. The original plan was to close Waterfront Drive at 10 p.m. until 9/23/24. Councilman Lawson reiterates that the halt of the work should not affect the current traffic patterns and is mainly only affecting the timetable.

XV.     NEW BUSINESS

A.    MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS-

1.      Items for announcement/discussion

XVII.  ADJOURNMENT

Motion to go into executive session about the aforementioned subjects in IV. Executive Session. Motion made by Councilwoman Sousa, Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion passes 4-0.

Council ends in Executive Session as there is nothing further to discuss for this meeting through public hearing.

Approved by Council: October 22,2024

Attest: ___________________________

           City Clerk