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A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council was held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 7:45 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. 
Present – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
Absent – Councilor Stachowiak
President Mercer presided.
The reading of the records of the March 20, 2024 Ordinance Committee meeting and City Council meeting, as well as the March 27, 2024 City Council meeting was dispensed with and the records were APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the *Consent Agenda was APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
*THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS WERE READ AND ORDERED FILED
028 A. Various Forms and Statements from RI Infrastructure Bank
028 B. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition to Any Revival of the Old Saybrook to Kenyon Bypass
028 C. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of S 2018 Legislation Relating to Taxation – Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes
028 D. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7378 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – Homestead Exemption
028 E. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7651 Legislation to Towns and Cities – Low Income Housing (8% Alternative Tax Rate)
028 F. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7681 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – Tax Valuation Freeze on Affordable Housing
028 G. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7683, S 2361 and S 2372 Legislation Relating to Taxation – Real Estate Conveyance Tax
028 H. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7981 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – Zoning Ordinances
028 I. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7980 Legislation Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles – Mobile and Manufactured Homes
028 J. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7958 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – Multifamily Housing Act
028 K. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7978 Legislation Relating to Subdivision of Land
028 L. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7951 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – RI Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act
028 M. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7986 Legislation Relating to Property – Abandoned Property
028 N. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7382 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – Zoning Ordinances
028 O. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Opposition of H 7324 Legislation Relating to Towns and Cities – Zoning Ordinances
028 P. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Support of S 2016 – An Act Relating to Towns and Cities – Low- and Moderate-Income Housing
028 Q. Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Support of Governor Daniel J. McKee’s Litter Free Rhode Island campaign
028 R. Resolution from the Town of Richmond Proclaiming April 28 – May 4, 2024 as National Small Business Week
028 S. Resolution from the Town of Richmond in Opposition to Any Revival of the Old Saybrook and Kenyon Bypass
028 T. Resolution from the Town of Richmond (Special Education Funding Formula)
028 U. Resolution from the Town of Burrillville in Opposition to H 7763 and S 2679 Relating to Public Records – Access to Public Records Act
028 V. Resolution from the Town of North Smithfield (Funding Formula – Education Proficiency Benchmarks)
028 W. Resolution from the Town of North Smithfield (Healthy School Meals for All / Universal Free School Meals)
028 Y. Resolution from the Town of Tiverton in Support of Fully Funding State Aid to Libraries to the Full Twenty-Five (25%) Percent Level
028 Z. Resolution from the Town of Charlestown in Support of H 7688 – An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Tourism and Development
028 AA. Resolution from the Town of Charlestown in Support of H 7462 – Relating to Amendments to the Energy Facility Siting Act
**617 BB. Communication from Scott Avedisian, Chief Executive Officer, RIPTA, to His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien (Proposed Changes to the R-Line)
126 CC. Communication from John Blais, Recreational Manager, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Pawtucket Parks Commission Annual Report for 2023) WAS POSTPONED TO THE APRIL 24, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
EE. THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY WAS REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Jeffrey Mellor – $196.90 (Pothole)
Luke Dasilveira – $400.00 (Pothole)
Juan Henao – $1,046.17, $1,070.00 (Vehicle Damage)
Verizon by Claims Management Resources Inc. – $1,192.48 (Wire Damage)
Juan F. Lopez – $2,089.59, $2,453.75 (Firetruck)
FF. THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY WAS REFERRED TO THE LAW DEPARTMENT AND RI INTERLOCAL TRUST:
Diana Jackvony – $5,085.00 (Sewer Backup)
** TAKEN OFF CONSENT AGENDA FOR COMMENTS ONLY, NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN
028 X. Resolution from the Town of Warren in Opposition to H 7983 (Building Code Inspections) WAS READ AND ORDERED FILED
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Araujo, was PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk was instructed to send a communication to Representative Stephen Casey, Chair, House Committee on Municipal Government & Housing and the Pawtucket General Assembly Delegation expressing the council’s opposition to H 7983, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY – STATE BUILDING CODE
617 DD. Communication from Lexis Galvao, Department of Transportation, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk (Response – Newport Ave & Cottage St Traffic Light) WAS PLACED BACK ON THE DOCKET FROM OCTOBER 11, 2023 AND WAS READ AND ORDERED FILED
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR MORAN
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Rubio, was PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk was instructed to send a communication to the RI Department of Transportation to request an update on RIDOT’s efforts to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion in the vicinity of Newport Avenue and Cottage Street, in Pawtucket.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR MORAN
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Rubio, was PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk was instructed to send a communication to His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, asking if he had the opportunity to speak with RIDOT regarding the traffic issues at Newport Avenue and Cottage Street.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR ARAUJO, CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Councilor Araujo announced that at the Claims Committee meeting they were advised that the Providence and Worcester Railroad is seeking grant money to refurbish the train tracks all along the Bennett Highway. Since it will take at least a year to get the work done, they will see what they can do to take care of things that need to be addressed right away.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN, CHAIR OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL COMMITTEE.
Councilor Wildenhain thanked Lt. Skahan for the improvements at the shelter and thanked Hersh Cristino for his work to upgrade the website. He asked people to be patient who want to adopt the animals at the shelter.
THE COUNCIL RECESSED AT 8:03 P.M., TO RECONVENE AS THE BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS.
THE COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 8:11 P.M.
609 Communication from Christopher Montalto, Supervisor, Distribution Design, RI Energy, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following sole pole installation for 60 Olive St. WAS APPROVED PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR RUBIO
Upon motion made by Councilor Rubio, seconded by Councilor Moreno, the agenda was amended to include the following communication, on a unanimous voice vote:
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Terrence E. Mercer, Council President, submitting the following appointments as members of the Charter Review Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
| John J. Barry, III | Jose M. DaMoura | Brenda Clement |
| Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin | Matilda Rodrigues | Phillip J. Shea, Jr. |
| Tyler McFeeters | Elaine Cruz | Jacqueline Ash |
| | John Baxter | |
Upon motion made by Councilor Rubio, seconded by Councilor Moreno, the following communication was placed on the April 24, 2024 City Council Docket:
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Terrence E. Mercer, Council President, submitting the following appointments as members of the Charter Review Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
| John J. Barry, III | Jose M. DaMoura | Brenda Clement |
| Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin | Matilda Rodrigues | Phillip J. Shea, Jr. |
| Tyler McFeeters | Elaine Cruz | Jacqueline Ash |
| | John Baxter | |
The following resolution was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
588 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RESTORATION OF THE FUNDING FOR STATE AID TO LIBRARIES TO THE FULL 25% LEVEL REQUIRED IN RI GENERAL LAWS § 29-6-2 (A)
THE COUNCIL TOOK UP THE FOLLOWING:
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE XXIII OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, ENTITLED “PUBLIC ART FUND”
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR GREGOR
Upon motion made by Councilor Gregor, seconded by Councilor Rubio, a motion to RECOMMIT the above entitled ordinance to the Ordinance Committee, was DEFEATED on roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – Councilors Gregor and Rubio.
NOES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Moran, Moreno, and Wildenhain.
UPON RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS READ AND PASSED FOR THE FIRST TIME, ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – Councilor Gregor.
330 AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE XXIII OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, ENTITLED “PUBLIC ART FUND”
THE COUNCIL TOOK UP THE FOLLOWING:
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR CLASSIFIED NON-UNION POSITIONS IN SECTION §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996. (ADD: Human Resources Director; DELETE: Consolidated Director of Human Resources)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN:
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Moran, the following AMENDMENT to the above entitled ordinance was taken up:
Grades 21X and 22X were deleted entirely, as follows:
21X $85,000.00 $110,000.00
22X $95,000.00 $120,000.00
The pay grade for the new position of Director of Human Resources was amended, as follows:
Director of Human Resources 22X X22
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain seconded by Councilors Moran and Rubio, the following amendment was PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Amend the following:
Grades 21X and 22X were deleted entirely, as follows:
21X $85,000.00 $110,000.00
22X $95,000.00 $120,000.00
The pay grade for the new position of Director of Human Resources was amended, as follows:
Director of Human Resources 22X X22
UPON RECOMMENDATION FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS READ FOR THE FIRST TIME AND PASSED AS AMENDED, ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
330 AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR CLASSIFIED NON-UNION POSITIONS IN SECTION §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996. (ADD: Human Resources Director; DELETE: Consolidated Director of Human Resources) AS AMENDED
UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS, THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY WERE APPROVED FOR PAYMENT ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Anthony DiMeglio – $233.53 (Pothole)
Jamilton Salazar – $117.00 (Tow)
Dan Lisker – $575.00 (Sewer Line)
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Elida Goncalves, by Travelers Insurance – No Amount Specified (Firetruck)
UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS, THE MOTION TO DENY AND REFER TO RI ENERGY THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY WAS APPROVED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Tara L. Gagnon – $275.33 (Pothole)
Doreen Mowry – $189.78 (Pothole)
UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS, THE MOTION TO DENY AND REFER TO THE PROVIDENCE AND WORCESTER RAILROAD COMPANY THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY WAS APPROVED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Daniel Gosselin – $171.02 (Railroad)
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by the entire City Council, the meeting was adjourned in memory of Arthur Plitt at 8:51 PM.