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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 5, 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 A Lawson X Rego X Sousa X Rodericks X
Councilman Fogarty arrived at 6:38pm
II. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
1. RIGL 42-46-5(a)(5) Discussion concerning the lease of real property related to a modification of a prior lease agreement and/or easement with the Wolf School Inc 215 Ferris Avenue entered into on 11/14/2020 for the location of a transformer and dumpster on City owned property.
Moved to May 19, 2026
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
V. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes April 21, 2026
B. LETTERS
1. New Address: 97 Burgess Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914, Map 016, Block 11, Parcel 006.00
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | A | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Braga Club Feast)
Applicant: Armando Medeiros
Business Name: Braga Brotherhood
Address: 26 Teofilo Braga Way, East Providence
Date & Time: 7/10 - 12/26; 6pm – 12am
2. Special Event – One Day Entertainment License (Braga Club 5th Dominga)
Applicant: Armando Medeiros
Business Name: Sacred Hert Church
Address: 116-118 Taunton Avenue, East Providence
Date & Time: 5/9/26; 6pm – 12am
3. Special Event – One Day Special License (Backyard 5K)
Applicant: Reilly Johnston
Business Name: St. Brendans Church
Address: 60 Turner Avenue, Riverside
Date & Time: 7/25/26; 5:30pm – 8:30pm
4. Special Event – One Day Special (Block Party)
Applicant: Tracy Johnson
Business Name: City of East Providence
Address: Crescent Park, East Providence
Date & Time: 5/16/26; 12pm – 3pm
5. One Day Alcohol License
Applicant: Armando Medeiros
Business Name: Sacred Heart Church
Address: 118 Taunton Avenue, East Providence
Date & Time: 5/9/26; 6pm -12am
6. One Day Alcohol License (3-day event)
Applicant: Armando Medeiros
Business Name: Theophilo Braga Brotherhood
Address: 26 Teofil Braga Way, East Providence
Date & Time: 7/10/26 - 12/26; 6pm – 12am
7. One Day Alcohol License
Applicant: Sandra Mello
Business Name: Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity
Address: 59 Britghtridge Avenue, East Providence, RI
Date & Time: 5/9/26; 1pm – 12am
8. Type of License: New Business Mobile Truck (Variety of Foods)
Applicant: Robert Cloutier
Business Name: PCTA Good Eats & Treats
Owner’s Location: 41 Fricker Street, Providence, RI
9. Type of License: New Business Mobile Truck (Soft Pretzels)
Applicant: Gina Ferrara
Business Name: GG’s Pretzels
Owner’s Location: 606 Metacom Avenue, Warren, RI
10. Type of License: New Business Mobile Truck (savory & Sweet)
Applicant: Briana Jones
Business Name: Central Falls School District dba A Taste of Central Falls
Owner’s Location: 10 Higginson Avenue, Central Falls, RI
11. Type of License: New Business Mobile Truck (Lemonade)
Applicant: Savanna Gouveia
Business Name: Pretty in Pink
Owner’s Location: 94 Potters Avenue, Providence, RI
B. MOTION TO BUNDLE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
D. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
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.
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.
1. Sam Archer – Spoke regarding pedestrians, bikes and safe streets. In support of the resolution up for vote.
IX. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment of Julie Harrington to the City Council Crescent Park Carousel Commission. This is a 4-year term 5/5/2026 – 5/6/2030. Councilman Fogarty
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
X. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. SAGE Environmental Inc.’s public meeting notice Metacomet Property LLC. Regarding objectives of environmental cleanup scheduled for May 12, 2026, at 6:00pm in the City Council Chambers. Councilwoman Sousa
2. Update on Gatekeeper School Bus Stop-Arm Violation Enforcement Program. Council President Rodericks
3. Request for update regarding Oldham School on Bullocks Point. Councilman Lawson. Administration has met with the contractor who submitted a proposal; asked contractor to include the small incubator. Waiting for updated proposal.
4. Update on Sabin Point storm water pipe project and kayak launch. Councilman Lawson. Update from Administration: Sabin point storm water pipe project will begin in July. Kayak launch should be completed at the end of May.
5. City permit fees for renovations of homes and businesses. Council Vice President Rego
6. Request for update on Crescent Park project. Councilman Lawson. Update from Administration: Begin construction at the end of May. Tent project should be completed by the end of the season.
7. RIPTA Bike to Work Month Flyer. Council Vice President Rego
8. Capital improvement budget balance and outstanding projects/ purchases. Councilwoman Sousa
9. FY 2025 end of budget report & 2026 mid-year budget standing. Councilwoman Sousa. Administration representative Andre Herrera stated that going forward he will be sending the reports to the council once he receives them from the Finance Department. Mr. Herrera is also looking into the current improvement budget balance and YTD along with how much hs been expended.
10. Charter Commission recommendations for Council review schedule. Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego. Any charter issues must move by July for the Canvassing Authority to okay them and then send them to Secretary of State and then the RI Board of Elections.
11. Illegal dumping at the intersection of New Road and Pawtucket Avenue. Council Vice President Rego. City Solicitor Marcello mentioned that under the state housing code and city ordinances property owners must keep their property neat and tidy even if the property is vacant. The property can be sited for not cleaning up their property and he/she can be brought into court to either pay the reimbursement for cost or place a lien on the property.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and/or 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” adding Sec. 18-318 entitled "parking of unregistered vehicles" (Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 10 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled nuisances” amending subsection (C) of Section 10-29 entitled "removal; notice to owner" (Council Fogarty)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
SHOW CAUSE HEARING - The following business is subject to a hearing for their allege failure to obtain the appropriate license as indicated.
A. Business Licenses
1. Subway – 1086 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI
Needed Information: RI Dept of Health, Building and Fire, Victualling
Kayla Charlwood, general manager for Providence Bagel and no affiliation with Subway addressed the Council on behalf of Khalid Amar. A motion to approve the delay of closing the business down for two weeks allowing the owner to complete the final paperwork to come in compliance was moved by Councilman Lawson but if it wasn’t for the residents who currently work there, he would have voted it to be closed immediately. The business owner is required to appear at the May 19, 2026 council meeting.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS – Director of Policy & Constituent Services, Andre Herrera
1. Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation
· Re-appointment of Gary Pascoa to the Zoning Board of Review for a (5) year term effective 1/4/2025 through 1/3/2030.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
· Re-appointment of Michael Beauparlant to the Zoning Board of Review for a (5) year term effective 6/3/2025 through 6/2/2030.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
· Appointment of Brenda Lee Lister to the Zoning Board of Review for a (5) year term effective 6/5/2024 through 6/4/2029.
Motion passed 3 -2
| 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
· Update on citywide sewer infrastructure improvements.
Director of Public Works, Dan Borges, Amy Anderson George, Project Manager, Arcadis and William D. Casey, Jr. Project Manager, Arcadis presented a power point to the Council.
· Proclamation recognizing May 3 – May 9, 2026, as “Small Business Week” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Awareness Month” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing May 10, 2026, as “World Lupus Day” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing May 10 – May 16, 2026, as “National Skilled Nursing Care Week” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “Jewish American Heritage Month” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing May 17 – May 23, 2026, as “National Public Works Week” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “ALS Awareness Month” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing May 10 – May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week” in the City of East Providence and May 15, 2026, as “National Peace Officers Memorial Day.”
· Proclamation recognizing May 4 – May 8, 2026, as “Teacher Appreciation Week” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing May 17 – May 23, 2026, as “National Emergency Medical Services Week” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing May 3 – May 9, 2026, as “Municipal Clerks Week” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “Community Action Month” in the City of East Providence.
· Proclamation recognizing the month of May 2026, as “National Military Appreciation Month” in the City of East Providence.
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. C.A. No. SU-2024-0127-A PACE Organization of Rhode Island V. Sarah Frew, in her capacity as Tax Assessor for the City of East Providence. Update on final decision from RI Supreme Court. City Solicitor Michael J. Marcello Mr. Marcello updated the council that the city had won the case.
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Contract with Beta Group Inc. for Planning and Engineering Services Associated with the Safe Streets and Roads for All Supplemental Action Plan for the Six Corners Area (Council President Rodericks & Council Vice President Rego)
The motion failed 2 -3
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | X |
| Lawson | | X |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | | X |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution Adopting the East Providence Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan (Council President Rodericks & Council Vice President Rego)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution Authorizing Approval of Change Orders for the East Providence Wastewater Treatment Facility Concrete Lining Project in the amount of $551,327.26 (Council President Rodericks)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - 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, “amending Chapter 18, Article XIV entitled "Bicycles" to include the regulation of electric bikes and enforcement provisions for same (Council President Rodericks)
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Motion made to include the amended to the word exception to be changed to except.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
At 8:20 pm a motion to adjourn was made
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: 5/1/2026