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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
AMENDED DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 27, 2026
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-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/UC0YEW6s1RpjcKR47VMil1LA
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 J. Marcello
City Clerk, Andreza (Andy) Skipworth
I. CALL TO ORDER 
Roll Call
Fogarty X Lawson X Rego X Sousa X Rodericks X
II. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
A. Review, discussion, and possible vote to ratify collective bargaining agreement with East Providence Paraprofessional Association and the East Providence School Department pursuant to section 10-4 of the East Providence Home Rule Charter. (Dr. Forand)
B. Review, discussion, and possible vote to ratify tentative agreements with IBPO #569 for period of Nov 1, 2025, through October 31, 2029 (Solicitor and Chief of Police.)
MOTION TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
MOTION RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. East Providence Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Informational presentation. This is an opportunity to share preliminary ideas from our consultants and state partners with the city council and public—no votes are necessary or will be taken. The presentation will be led by Quinn Molloy from Toole Design Group and Joshua O'Neill, Supervising Planner with the RI Division of Statewide Planning, with an introduction by Director of Planning Keith Brynes
V. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes: January 6, 2026
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. MOTION TO BUNDLE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Event – One Day Alcoholic License
Applicant: Rita Vargas
Business Name: St. Francis Xavier Church
Location of Event: 160 Orchard Street, East Providence
Date & Time: 2/1/2026; 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2. Type of License – New Business (Coffee Shop/Lounge)
Applicant: Keith Viveiros
Business Name: Society Coffee Bar, Inc
Business Location: 500 North Broadway, East Providence
3. Type of License – New Business (Restaurant)/Class 1 Victualing
Applicant: Atty. Marc Gertsacov/Linming Zhan
Business Name: KHP Providence LLC dba Kpot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Business Location: 1925 Pawtucket Avenue, 7B, East Providence
C. MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Type of License – New Liquor License/Class B Victualing
Applicant: Marc Gertsacov
Business Name: KHP Providence LLC dba Kpot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Business Location: 1925 Pawtucket Avenue, Unit 7B, East Providence
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VII. 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.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
All persons wishing to make public comments 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 be limited to thirty (30) minutes per meeting.
IX. APPOINTMENTS - NONE
X. COUNCIL MEMBERS
a. Request to add a rodent control specialist to the staffing at Department of Public Works. Councilman Lawson. Update he met with Andre Hererra and Dan Borges regarding hiring a pest control specialist for the Department of Public Works. Councilman Lawson with follow up with them. Council Vice President Rego stated that both Crantson and Warwick has employees dedicated to work on pest control.
b. Update of stop sign on Ferris and David St. Council Vice President Rego; The ordinance was passed approximately 4 months ago, he wanted to know when will the signs be installed. Andre Hererra mentioned that currently Department of Public Works needs to know the exact location as to where to place the signs.
c. Update on construction of East Providence Community Center enter. Council Vice President Rego; Andre Hererra stated the project is on scheduled and should be occupied in October 2026
d. Status of Rumford Little League Challenger Program Kimberly Ann/Rock Field. Council Vice President Rego; Andre Hererra stated he spoke with Dan Borges of Department of Public Works who is waiting for the field to drybut will get details and schedule a meeting to discuss.
e. Narragansett Community Choice Electricity Aggregation. Council Vice President Rego; Council Vice President Rego was requesting an update from Dan Borges of DPW as to the outcome of the companies he was in discussion with. Mr. Borges will reach out to Council Vice President Directly
f. Request for information Planning/Zoning/Building Departments related to the number of applications for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) received by the City after passage of Zoning Ordinance allowing ADU on parcels of 5000 square feet or larger. Council Vice President Rego; Andre Hererra stated there were 12 applications in 2024 and 10 applications in 2025. He will talk to the Planning Department to discuss how better to notify the public.
g. Conditions of Newport Ave. Council Vice President Rego
h. Odor complaints from the Bucklin Point Plant. Council Vice President Rego
i. Ward 2 Round Table Talk Monthly Meetings. Councilwoman Sousa
j. Littering and dog waste Ordinance and Enforcement. Councilwoman Sousa; Reminding the public of the dog waste ordinance and that residents must pick up after their dogs. Mentioning the monetary fine that goes with the ordinance if caught.
k. Speed calming measures for multiple area along Mauran Ave & Juniper St. Councilwoman Sousa Requesting multiple speed signs in different areas until administration can come up with other options.
l. Update on consultant report and plans to address ongoing pedestrian crossing signal devices issues. Councilwoman Sousa; Councilwoman stated she hasn’t received a report or recommendations from consultant. Andre Hererra stated they are getting pricing on lighting improvements and will get info to her soon.
m. Parking conditions on Dover Avenue at the intersection with Warren Avenue and recommendations for improvements. Councilman Fogarty; Resolution on this item has been approved
n. Discussion on city hall security. Council President Rodericks; Concerned about the accessibility of City Hall, Council President will name a small subcommittee including technology department to discuss entrance into the building with no security or check in upon arrival
o. Conservation Commission Update. Councilman Lawson; Councilman Lawson stated the Conservation Commission is still active in 2025 below are a few items they took on in 2025. They Conducted routine maintenance at various trail systems, inspect a rough-cut new trail at Grassy Plain Park, Complete annual city sponsored earth day beach cleanup near the East Bay Bike Path, Co-sponsor monthly hikes at Hunt Mills Historic area. For a full list of activities read the East Providence Conservation Annual Report located on the EP Council Facebook page.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and final passage for discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 8 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amendment to Sec. 8-31(b) regarding repealing holiday sales licenses. Introduced by Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
No comments from the public. Motin passed 5-0
XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS - NONE
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS – Director of Policy & Constituent Services, Andre Herrera
1. Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation
· Appointment of Phillip I Tirrell to the Planning Board for a (5) year term effective 1/16/2026 – 1/15/2031
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
· Reappointment of Maria Luci Stoddard to the Board of Assessment Review for a (6) year term effective 12/17/2025 – 12/16/2031
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Appointment/Reappointment not requiring Council Confirmation
· NONE
3. Items for announcement/discussion
· NONE
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
· City Solicitor Michael J. Marcello reporting on:
1. Report on East Providence Paraprofessional Association and the East Providence School Department and
The agreement was approved by the City Council in a vote of 5-0.
2. Reporting on the tentative agreements with IBPO #569
(As listed under the executive session)
The tentative agreement proposed with the IBPO #569 was approved by the City Council in a vote of 5-0
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson
· NONE
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a proposal with Bill Lizotte Architectural Glass & Aluminum Inc. for the replacement of the exterior windows at Weaver Library. Sponsored by Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to purchase a LRAD speaker (long range acoustic device) for the police department. Sponsored by Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance amendment of Chapter 16 of revised ordinance of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998 as amended, entitled, “taxation” adding Article XI. Exemption for Live/Workspace Deed Restricted Properties. Introduced by Council Vice President Rego.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. 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”.
SECTION I. Section 18-307 entitled “Parking prohibited at all times” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking” of Chapter 18 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Dover Avenue (west side) from Warren Avenue southerly for 250 feet.
SECTION II. Section 18-307 entitled “Parking prohibited at all times” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking” of Chapter 18 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended to read as follows:
Dover Avenue (both east sides) from Warren Avenue southerly for 50 100 feet.
Introduced by Councilman Fogarty
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 401.435.7596 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
POSTED: 2/5/2026