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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
July 7, 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
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 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) – Litigation
1. Sewer Charge Abatement:
a. Nina Markov & Arthur Riss $378.58
Discussed in open session; Motion to approve by Councilman Fogarty Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Passed unanimously
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. World Cup Recognition. Council President Rodericks
During a breakfast meeting the Tartan Army made a donation to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for $10,000 as well as other places in RI. They also came to “Good Night Lights”; In honor of their generosity Council President Rodericks wanted to shout out to them and represent them by wearing a kilt to the Council meeting. (See the EP Council FB page for photo)
V. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes June 16, 2026
B. LETTERS:
New Addresses
1. 156 Amaral St. East Providence, RI 02915, Map 508 Block 01 Parcel 006.10
2. 9 Regent Drive, East Providence, RI 02915, Map 613 Block 02 Parcel 017.10
C. CANCELLATIONS & ABATEMENTS:
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Munroe Dairy Car Show)
Applicant: Natalie Karneeb
Business Name: Armstrong Properties
Address of Event: 151 N. Brow Street, E. Providence
Date & Time: 7/26/2026; 9am – 11am
2. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Live Band/DJ)
Applicant: Joseph A. Braga
Business Name: Holy Ghost Brotherhood Mariense
Address of Event: 846 Broadway, E. Providence
Date & Time: 7/24 - 26/2026; 7pm – 12am
3. Type of License: Block Party/Food Truck Event
Applicant: Jennifer Champlin
Business Name: University Orthopedics
Address of Event: 1 Kettle Point, E. Providence
Date & Time: 9/26/2026; 11am – 2pm
4. One Day Special Event Alcoholic License
Applicant: James Ferreira
Business Name: RI Day of Portugal
Address of Event: Bold Point Park
Date & Time: 8/1/2026; 5pm – 11pm
5. One Day Special Event Alcoholic License
Applicant: Michael McAteer
Business Name: Rhody Food Truck
Address of Event: Bold Point Park
Date & Time: 8/7-9/5/2026; 5pm – 9pm
6. One Day Special Event Alcoholic License
Applicant: Joseph A. Braga
Business Name: Holy Ghost Brotherhood Mariense
Address of Event: 846 Broadway, E. Providence
Date & Time: 7/24 – 26/2026; 7pm – 12am
7. Type of License: New Business, Victualing
Applicant: Naim Salem
Business Name: East Providence Fuel
Address of Event: 69 Taunton Avenue, E. Providence
8. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Soccer Event) (Read in Only)
Applicant: Rebecca Chace
Business Name: City of East Providence
Address of Event: Pierce Field
Date & Time: 6/27/2026; 1pm – 5:30pm
9. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Live Band-BBQ)
(Read in Only)
Applicant: Lia Stuhlsatz
Applicant Address: 262 Pawtucket Ave, E. Providence
Date & Time: 7/4/2026; 6pm – 10:30pm (Rain date 7/5/2026)
10. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Music) (Read in only)
Applicant: Jennifer Tierney
Private Event: Birthday Party
Address of Event: 73 Brightridge Avenue, E. Providence
Date & Time: 6/20/2026; 2pm – 11pm
MOTION TO BUNDLE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Type of License: Additional Hours 1a.m. – 6 a.m.
Applicant: Naim Salem
Business Name: East Providence Fuel
Address of Event: 69 Taunton Avenue, E. Providence
Naim Salem stated the extended time only pertains to gas sales. Excludes automobile repairs.
MOTION TO APPROVE PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VII. 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. Julie Garrett, U. S. Small Business Administration – Disaster loan programs for small businesses and non-profits with economic losses from the February blizzard.
Monica Miles spoke on behalf of US Small Business Administration. Regarding the deadline for small businesses and non-profits to apply for loan no later than March 10, 2027.
2. Robert A. Yuski, Fire Ordinance requiring 30 feet away from any structure.
He left before speaking
VIII. 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 be limited to thirty (30) minutes per meeting.
Richard Hogan, Christina O’Reilly, Alison Butler and Jon McGowan spoke in favor of the in favor of Pierce Softball Field improvements
IX. APPOINTMENTS - NONE
X. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. FY 27 East Providence Council budget requests. Councilman Lawson
2. Discussion with Administration on parking for Crescent Park events this year. Councilman Lawson
3. Explanation from Administration on who pushed for the traffic redesign on Willett Ave and why the redesign was necessary. Councilman Lawson
4. Veterans Hero Banners update. Councilwoman Sousa
5. Pedestrian crosswalk Warren Ave. Councilwoman Sousa
6. Request speed monitoring on Burgess Ave from Juniper to Parkway. Councilwoman Sousa
7. Streetlight adjustment for better lighting in neighborhoods. Councilwoman Sousa
8. Adequate trash reciprocals at public parks and bus stops. Councilwoman Sousa
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and/or final passage for discussion and possible vote
1. Ordinance of the City Council of the City of East Providence Appropriating $340,035.00 for Pierce Softball Field improvements.
Summary: This Ordinance is to allocate monies from unallocated Capital budget funds for improvements at Pierce Softball Field. Introduced: Council President Rodericks Council President Rodericks stated that is not just for the light, also paved parking lots, walkways and other improvements that are needed.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | Seconded | |
2. An Ordinance an amendment of Chapter 16 Taxation, revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1988, as amended Entitled Article V. Tax Stabilization for Qualified Businesses is hereby amended by adding the following: Article V: Tax Stabilization for qualified businesses and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).
Summary: New Section 16-69 et. Seq. the purpose of this amendment is to provide for a limited tax stabilization for eligible accessory dwelling unit within the City and to encourage their construction. Introduced: Council Vice President Rego
Motion passed 4 -1 with Councilman Lawson voted against.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | | X |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
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 Jennifer Griffith to the Juvenile Hearing Board for a (3) year term effective 7/7/2026 – 7/6/2029.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Appointment/Reappointment not requiring Council Confirmation
· None
3. Items for announcement/discussion
· Update on the Willett Avenue traffic pattern and the latest information from RIDOT.
· Update on the highly successful Soccer in the City Block Party held on Saturday, June 27th.
· Proclamation honoring Human Resources Director Dr. Robert Perry as he leaves City Hall to become the new Superintendent of the East Providence School Department.
· Proclamation recognizing July 5 as Cape Verdean Independence Day in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing July as Disability Pride Month in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing July 25 as Puerto Rico Constitution Day in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing July 28 as Peruvian Independence Day in the City of East Providence.
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution authorizing the Mayor of East Providence to enter into a contract with Red Oak Remodeling in the amount of $482,545.00 for the installation of exterior replacement windows throughout City Hall. Introduced: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | Seconded | |
2. Resolution authorizing the granting of an easement to the Narragansett Electric company: Land situated on the southerly side of Mercer Street, designated at Lot 1, Map 17, Block 22 for the purpose to provide power to the East Providence Police substation at Pierce Field. Introduced: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution authorizing the Mayor of East Providence to proceed with this project for improvements to Pierce Softball Field, including entering into a contract with Musco Lighting and other vendors. Introduced: Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | Seconded | |
4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the East Providence Community Center from WB Mason in the amount of $172,539.75; Funds were previously allocated ARPA funds, Congressional Directed Spending and the Rhode Island American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Grant Funds. Introduced: Council Vice President Rego
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XIV. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote - NONE
XV. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| 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.