(The following is not a verbatim transcript of comments or discussion that occurred during the meeting, but rather a summarization intended for general informational purposes. All motions and votes are the official records).

CRANSTON CITY COUNCIL

Notice of Regular Meeting

APRIL 27, 2020

Regular meeting of the City Council was held on Monday, April 27, 2020 via Web-ex.

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 P.M. by the Council President.

Roll call showed the following members present: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

Also Present: Daniel Parrillo, Director of Administration; Robert Strom, Finance Director; Michael Igoe, City Controller; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Evan Kirshenbaum, City Council Legal Counsel; David DiMaio, City Council Budget Analyst.

I. PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

None.

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS

Robert Murray, Esq., appeared to represent applicant for proposed Ordinances 1-20-04 and 1-20-05.

Nick Lima, City Registrar, appeared to speak regarding proposed “Resolution Promoting Participation in the Census 2020 by Signing up for the Pledge Pool”.

III. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION PROMOTING PARTICIPATION IN THE CENSUS 2020 BY SIGNING UP FOR THE PLEDGE TOOL

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Council Vice-President Favicchio, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE EMERGENCY COVID-19 SPENDING AUTHORIZED BY THE MAYOR FOR AN EARLIER LEASE AGREEMENT WITH RENAISSANCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, ANY INTERIOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND ANY ASSOCIATED MOVING COSTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 35 SOCKANOSSET CROSSROAD

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember Paplauskas, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.

Under Discussion:

Director Parrillo stated that due to the COVID-19, the CCAP building on Cranston St. is being used as a test site and the Director of CCAP has instructed the City to vacate that building as soon as possible. The lease is up in September and in looking for new location, we have met several times with the School Department since they have numerous properties within the City and none of the options were viable from the Superintendent on down. An RFP was put out and 35 Sockanosset Crossroad was the only one to bid and met all specs we were looking for and was approved by Board of Contract and Purchase last week. The three departments that are currently housed at the CCAP building, Building Inspections, Engineering and CDBG will be the departments taking over that building on Sockanosset Crossroad. Because it is COVID related, the City will be seeking reimbursement for expenses at 75% from the federal government.

Council Vice-President Favicchio stated that because of COVID, these departments were forced to close to the public. It has been very difficult for the Inspections Department to do their work under the circumstances and he urged passage.

Councilmember Stycos stated that he has concerns about this proposal because next year is going to be extremely difficult financially and this is a big commitment of money. He asked if the Administration has looked at temporary use of Chester Barrows School and asked if the City offered the School Department rent or were we looking for free space. Director Parrillo stated that the Administration met with the Superintendent and her staff and never got to the point the City of offering rent. The School Department advised the City that they would not be able to handle our needs in any of their buildings including Barrows, Sprague and Horton. Barrows is going to be used as a transitional school so once they do pass the bonds for school infrastructure and upgrades, students will be going from Garden City or other schools to Barrows for transition school so the School Department could not commit to the City for utilizing that space for a certain amount of time.

Councilmember Stycos stated that he was under the impression that CDBG Office had to be located in a low moderate income location under federal regulations. He questioned if that department could legally move to the Sockanosset Crossroad location. Director Parrillo stated that this is the first he is hearing of that restriction, but he will follow-up on that.

Councilmember Hopkins stated that he would like to hear from the Superintendent regarding this. Superintendent Nota-Masse stated that they did have conversations with Director Parrillo regarding various buildings available within the City. The only one she could offer would have been Barrows, but the problem with that school is it is not ADA compliant. In order for the City to use that building, it would require a great deal of construction. She also stated that if the School Bond goes through, the School Department would have to start moving students to that school next year, so it would be for a short term if the City would use it.

Councilmember Stycos suggested referring this Resolution to next Monday’s Finance Committee for discussion. He indicated that the multi-purpose room at Barrows is handicap accessible. He also stated that another concern he has is there was only one bid.

Director Parrillo stated that there is a serious time constraint regarding this move. We do not have time to rebid and go out for RFP again. The Director of CCAP wants those departments out of the building May 1^st, which will not be possible, but we have to get those departments out as soon as possible.

Councilmember Donegan stated that he understands the urgency of the situation, but he has concerns with moving a department such as Community Development, out of a low moderate income area. Director Parrillo stated that the services that are offered to Ward 3 can be done from any location.

Council Vice-President Favicchio stated that he understands about the concerns of CDBG, but he thinks it is critical to get these departments, especially Building Inspections, to be able to function and assist the public.

Councilmember Vargas asked what the total number of staff is that would be moving. Director Parrillo stated approximately twenty. Councilmember Vargas suggested continuing this to the Finance Committee for additional financial information.

Director Strom stated that as to the fiscal note, this would be approximately two month’s rent for May and June of approximately $6,000 per month, plus moving cost and, as Director Parrillo stated, this would be reimbursable by FEMA at 75%.

Councilmember Brady stated that he does not see any benefit of waiting for Finance Committee because we have all the information we need.

On motion by Councilmember Stycos, seconded by Councilmember Donegan, it was voted to refer this Resolution to the Finance Committee on Monday, and in the meantime, the Administration look at Chester Barrows and look at other City buildings where one of the three departments could be located and also check whether Community Development Office has to be located in a low moderate income area.

Under Discussion:

Councilmember Stycos stated that he really thinks we have to go the extra mile for savings and try to put these departments in existing buildings.

Councilmember McAuley questioned what the expense would be to open up Barrows and what the savings would be to use Barrows.

Councilmember Hopkins suggested looking into using the Teen Center for the CDBG staff. It is in the same Ward we are talking about.

Roll call was taken on motion to refer this Resolution to the Finance Committee and motion failed on a tie vote and 1 abstention. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Vargas, McAuley and Donegan -4. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmembers Hopkins, Brady, Paplauskas and Council Vice-President Favicchio -4. Council President Farina abstained.

Council President asked for vote to be taken on original motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Stycos questioned if this vote requires two-thirds because it is an emergency appropriation. Solicitor Verdecchia stated, yes.

Roll call was taken on original motion to adopt this Resolution and motion failed on less than two-thirds vote of 5-3 and 1 abstention. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Hopkins, McAuley, Brady, Paplauskas and Council Vice-President Favicchio -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmembers Stycos, Vargas and Donegan -3. Council President Farina abstained.

IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Council Vice-President Michael W. Favicchio, Chair)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS FROM MONTH OF MARCH

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS FROM MONTH OF MARCH

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS FROM MONTH OF MARCH

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER DENIALS FROM MONTH OF MARCH

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Brady, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Denials. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

(Council Vice-President Michael W. Favicchio, Chair)

1-20-04 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CRANSTON 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF CRANSTON, AS AMENDED 2012 (Catherine St. and Bateman Ave.) From month of March.

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Brady, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

1-20-05 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (Change of Zone – Catherine St. and Bateman Ave.). From month of March.

V. PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

VI. ELECTION OF CITY OFFICIALS

JUVENILE HEARING BOARD:

· Appointment of Daniel J. Carpenter as Alternate Member #2 for term to expire December 1, 2021. (Stycos) from month of March.

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember Stycos, it was voted to appoint Daniel J. Carpenter as Alternate member of the Juvenile Hearing Board. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

· Appointment of Nancy Thomas as Alternate Member #3 for term to expire December 1, 2021. (Stycos) from month of March.

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, it was voted to appoint Nancy Thomas as Alternate member of the Juvenile Hearing Board. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

VII. REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

None.

VIII. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

REPORT ON HIRING OF SPECIAL COUNSEL, CONSULTANTS, ETC., PURSUANT TO CHARTER SECTION 15.05.

No Discussion.

REQUEST TO BE CONTINUED IN SERVICE FOR ONE YEAR: DEPUTY CHIEF DANIEL MARCINKO, CRANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT (from month of March).

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Council Vice-President Favicchio, it was voted to approve the above request. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

IX. COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

Council President Farina stated that since the meetings for now are being held virtual, he asked that if the Council has any new business coming before the Council, if possible, hold off until we get more relaxed on social distancing.

X. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILMEMBER DONEGAN:

Crosswalk on Dyer Ave., Pocasset Apt. (from month of March).

Councilmember Donegan stated that a number of residents of the apartments have asked if the crosswalk could be moved across the street from the apartments so they do not have to go to the other end of the street to cross. He stated that he will send Director Parrillo an e-mail regarding this.

E-Testimony Form (from month of March).

Councilmember Donegan stated that he will communicate with Director Parrillo regarding this.

Council President Farina asked that any Council Member Communication going forward be e-mailed to the Administration and copy the City Council members due to the fact that at this time the meetings are being held virtual.

XI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS

*(for informational purposes. All new business is referred to Committee for public hearing)

4-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10.32 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “MOTOR VEHICLES & TRAFFIC” (SCARALIA & FOX RIDGE DRIVE – 4 WAY STOP REMOVAL). SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBER BRADY.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 5/14/2020. (from month of March).

4-20-02 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS” (CASHLESS ESTABLISHMENTS PROHIBITED). SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBER DONEGAN.
Referred to Safety Services & Licenses Committee 5/4/2020. (from month of March).

4-20-03 ORDINANCE WAIVING ANY AND ALL PENALTIES, INTEREST OR FEES FOR LATE PAYMENTS RELATED TO ANY FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2020 TAX PAYMENT MADE TOWARDS PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, MOTOR VEHICLE OR TANGIBLE TAXES, AS WELL AS SEWER FEES DUE TO A DEMONSTRATED ECONOMIC HARDSHIP CAUSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS DONEGAN, STYCOS, MCAULEY, VARGAS, BRADY, HOPKINS AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT FARINA.
Referred to Finance Committee 5/4/2020.

4-20-04 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING LOAN ORDER FOR THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO FINANCE THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES IN THE CITY OF CRANSTON BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $5,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR. SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS STYCOS AND DONEGAN.
Referred to Finance Committee 5/4/2020.

4-20-05 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10.32.040 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – NO PARKING ON CERTAIN STREETS – GENERALLY” (BARRETT ST.). SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS DONEGAN AND BRADY.
Referred to Ordinance Committee May 14, 2020.

4-20-06 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF SECTION 2.80.010 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL – SALARIES” (SICK LEAVE). SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS STYCOS AND DONEGAN.
Referred to Finance Committee May 4, 2020.

4-20-07 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS” (THIRD PARTY DELIVERY SERVICES). SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS DONEGAN AND BRADY.
Referred to Ordinance Committee May 14, 2020.

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM CRANSTON TO INTRODUCE AND URGE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING A $147 MILLION DOLLAR REPAIR, RENOVATION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION BOND FOR CITY’S SCHOOLS. SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FARINA.
Referred to Finance Committee 5/4/2020. (from month of March).

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TAKE SWIFT ACTION TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE SEPTEMBER 2020 RHODE ISLAND STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION. CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEMBERS PAPLAUSKAS, DONEGAN, BRADY, MCAULEY AND COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT FAVICCHIO.
Referred to Ordinance Committee May 14, 2020.

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID AND VERIZON FOR JOINT POLE LOCATION AT WALNUT GROVE AVE.
Referred to Public Works Committee 5/14/2020.

CLAIMS COMMITTEE – Thursday, May 14, 2020

· Property Damage Claim:

T. Bruce Boyden from alleged incident on December 20, 2019.
Janet Cherella from alleged incident on February 2, 2020.
Justin Souliere from alleged incident on February 6, 2020.
Harriet Willis from alleged incident on February 29, 2020.
Seekonk Fire Dept. from alleged incident on March 4, 2020.
Lawrence DePetrillo from alleged incident on March 5, 2020.
Carol DiMeglio from alleged incident on March 26, 2020.
Hamilton Carney from alleged incident on April 4, 2020.

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember Paplauskas, it was voted to refer the above new business to the respective Committees. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

STATE FARM CEMETERY:

Request dated March 25, 2020 from Moses Ryan Ltd. on behalf of Carpionato Group, LLC to conduct work at or near to State Farm Cemetery CR060 adjacent to 100 Sockanosset Crossroad. (VOTE NEEDED)

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Council Vice-President Favicchio, it was voted to approve this request. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, Vargas, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -9.

Council President Farina announced that the Mayor’s Budget Introduction will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 5 p.m. and the Public Hearing on the Budget will be held on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 5 p.m. and both meetings will be virtual meetings.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

/s/ Rosalba Zanni

Acting City Clerk

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)