(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

FEBRUARY 24, 2020

Regular meeting of the City Council was held on Monday, February 24, 2020 in the Council Chambers. 869 Park Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island.

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, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

Absent: Councilmember Vargas -1.

Also Present: Daniel Parrillo, Director of Administration; John Psilopoulos, Deputy Director of Administration; 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

Douglas Doe, 178 Lippitt Ave., appeared to speak in favor of the Solar Ordinances.

Elaine Gordon, 47 Rutland Ave., appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution in Support of Legislation to establish an Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund (OSCAR) (Senate Bill 2194 and House Bill 7165).”

III. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATIN TO ESTABLISH AN OCEAN STATE CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE FUND (OSCAR) (SENATE BILL 2194 AND HOUSE BILL 7165)

Councilmembers Paplauskas, Brady, Hopkins and Council Vice-President Favicchio asked to be added as co-sponsors of this Resolution.

On motion by Councilmember Paplauskas, seconded by Council Vice-President Favicchio, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE THE CITY OF CRANSTON AS A PACE MUNICIPALITY AND TO APPROVE THE C-PACE AGREEMENT

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember Stycos, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.

Under Discussion:

Michael Bear appeared to speak and explained this program.

Councilmember McAuley asked if there are any businesses in Cranston that could take advantage of this. Mr. Bear stated that there are two that have indicated interest in this.

Councilmember Stycos asked if the Administration has looked into this. Director Parrillo stated that the Administration has met with Mr. Bear and are in agreement that it would be beneficial to the City and the businesses.

Councilmembers Brady, Paplauskas, McAuley, Donegan, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina asked to be added as co-sponsors of this Resolution.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING ALL RHODE ISLANDERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CENSUS 2020 AND BE COUNTED

On motion by Councilmember Paplauskas, seconded by Councilmember Stycos, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

Council President Farina asked Councilmember Donegan to do an analysis regarding this.

IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

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

9-19-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL’ (Minimum Wage)

On motion by Councilmember Stycos, seconded by Councilmember Donegan, it was voted to adopt the above Ordinance.

Under Discussion:

Council Vice-President Favicchio stated that since the Finance Committee meeting, he asked for a legal opinion from the Solicitor and the legal counsel for the Library. He also stated that the State raised the minimum wage and also, in January, State Supreme Court came down with a decision which states that municipalities have no authority to get involved in a State function. The risk in trying to test it could be substantial. As he has stated before, the better way to do this would be during the budget process.

Councilmember Donegan stated that he’s not an attorney, but we are setting wages for our own employees and not on any private business.

Solicitor stated that the State’s minimum wage is a threshold. He is not sure that there is prohibition for the City to go above that. You can’t go below it. He thinks it would pass muster, but is not certain about that and would have to look at this a little more.

Councilmember Brady stated that he would like to see the fiscal impact of this with the change in the State minimum wage. Director Parrillo stated that he does not have the exact amount.

Council President Farina stated that he has recused at past meetings from any discussion or vote on this, but since it no longer includes just the library workers, he will vote on this.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Ordinance and motion passed on a vote of 7-1. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas and Council President Farina -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Council Vice-President Favicchio -1.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Paplauskas, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Brady, the above

Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TANGIBLE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS

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 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

CLAIMS COMMITTEE

(Councilmember Paul J. McAuley, Chair)

Report of settled claims (Informational purposes): Jeanne Paolo $82.93 vehicle damage;

Louise Mendella $295.00 property damage; Michael Squillace $100.00 vehicle damage;

NLC Insurance Co. $6,131.08 vehicle damage;

Arthur Dauphinais and his Attorney Gregory Sorbello $9,000.00 personal injury;

Sandra DeAngelis & Attorneys Gianfranco & Friedemann $6,000.00 personal injury;
Karen Poulos $149.15 vehicle damage; Ryan Dulieu $57.45 vehicle damage.

No action needed.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

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

1-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 8.20 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘NOISE CONTROL’ (Noise Measurements)

On motion by Councilmember Stycos, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

1-20-03 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF SECTION 17.24 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING – PERFORMANCE STANDARDS GENERALLY’ (Medical Marijuana Dispensaries)

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, it was voted to adopt the above Ordinance.

Under Discussion:

Council Vice-President Favicchio questioned if all the distances in the Ordinance mirror the State. Jason Pezzullo, City Planner, appeared to speak and stated, yes.

Councilmember Hopkins stated that he was looking for a more broader description for Education and Educational Institutions. He questioned if this includes such institutions as hairdressing schools. Director Pezzullo stated, no, he does not believe it would include professional schools.

Council President Farina stated that the Code states that Educational Institute is nothing post-secondary or trade schools.

Councilmember Paplauskas stated that he will vote against this Ordinance because he thinks the distance should be 500’.

Council President Farina stated that he agrees that this Ordinance could use some tweaks in the future. It should include such things as trade schools.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt this Ordinance and motion passed on a vote of 7-1. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmember Paplauskas -1.

1-20-06 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17.24 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (Solar Energy Systems-Rooftop)

On motion by Councilmember Brady, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

1-20-07 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (Schedule of Uses)

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

(Councilmember Kenneth J. Hopkins, Chair)

1-20-02 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 12 OF TITLE 12 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘STREET AND SIDEWALKS USE REGULATIONS’ (Obstruction of Public Ways)

On motion by Councilmember Donegan, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE CITY COUNCIL GRANT WRITER TO WORK ON FUNDING FOR A SPLASH PAD AT THE ‘CALISE FIELD ANNEX’ (Parcel 8-2745-0) ON DYER AVE.

On motion by Councilmember Hopkins, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

V. PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

VI. ELECTION OF CITY OFFICIALS

CRANSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

· DR. TAINO J. PALMERO, term to end July 29, 2021 (unexpired term of Julie Colangelo

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, it was voted to appoint Dr. Taino J. Palmero as a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

JUVENILE HEARING BOARD:

· NANCY RILEY, Appointment as Alternate 1, term to expire 12/1/2020. Councilmember Stycos

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember Stycos, it was voted to appoint Nancy Riley as a member of the Juvenile Hearing Board. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

ZONING BOARD OF REVIEW:

· JOSH CATONE, Reappointment as Alternate no. 2, term to expire Feb. 25, 2021

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember McAuley, it was voted to re-appoint Josh Catone as Alternate 2 of the Zoning Board of Review. Motion passed on a vote of 7-1. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilmember Donegan -1.

VII. REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

None.

VIII. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

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

Councilmember McAuley indicated to the legal bills for the Guilbeault case and asked if this is the final bill. Director Parrillo stated that this is a collection of bills from July 1, 2019 to the present.

CRANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT: JOHN RYAN - RETIREMENT

On motion by Council Vice-President Favicchio, seconded by Councilmember Hopkins, it was voted to approve the above request. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

IX. COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR MUNICIPAL CLERK

Council President Farina stated that discussion was held in Executive Session with one member of the Council not present and he hopes to have something to report out at the end of this week.

X. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILMEMBER DONEGAN:

· “GREEN CRANSTON: COMMUNITY DESIGNED REUSABLE BAGS

Councilmember Donegan suggested using school students to design the reusable bags to place at City Hall, Library or schools.

Council President Farina stated that this is a noble idea and suggested that Councilmember Donegan look at how much the bags would cost and we will see about the allocation.

COUNCILMEMBER HOPKINS:

· VANDALIZED PARKS

Councilmember Hopkins asked for update regarding slides vandalized at parks. Director Parrillo stated that he does not have a definitive timeframe. He will speak to Parks and Recreation Director Liberatore tomorrow.

Councilmember McAuley stated that he spoke to Director Liberatore and he indicated that they are on order and hope to have them replaced early Spring.

· GRAFFITI

Councilmember Hopkins stated that there has been an increase in graffiti on Rolfe Square. He asked how long property owners are given to take care of that. Director Parrillo stated that he believes it is on the property owner to take care of that. Councilmember Hopkins suggested increase in patrols and also business owners be asked to take care of it.

COUNCILMEMBER PAPLAUSKAS:

· Woodridge Playground

Councilmember Paplauskas stated that some residents have requested wood chips be placed at the Woodridge Playground. He asked that this be relayed to Director Liberatore.

XI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS

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

2-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17.36 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (Industrial Uses – Noise District Measurements). Sponsored by Councilmember Stycos.
Referred to Ordinance Committee April 16, 2020.

2-20-02 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17.36 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (Industrial Uses – Monitoring). Sponsored by Councilmember Stycos.
Referred to Ordinance Committee April 16, 2020.

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE LARGE CAPACITY FEEDING DEVICE BAN ACT OF 2020. Sponsored by Councilmembers Donegan, Vargas and Stycos.
Referred to Ordinance Committee March 12, 2020.

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID AND VERIZON FOR JOINT POLE LOCATION AT BATCHELLER AVE.
Referred to Public Works Committee March 12, 2020.

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID AND VERIZON FOR JOINT POLE LOCATION AT RESERVOIR AVE.
Referred to Public Works Committee March 12, 2020.

CLAIMS COMMITTEE – Thursday, March 12, 2020

· Property Damage Claim:

Gina Bank from alleged incident on January 18, 2020.
Henry Peter from alleged incident on January 18, 2020.
Matthew Leary from alleged incident on January 18, 2020.
Sherilyn Nemtzow from alleged incident on January 27, 2020.

On motion by Councilmember McAuley, seconded by Council Vice-President Favicchio, it was voted to refer the above new business to the respective Committees. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilmembers Stycos, Hopkins, McAuley, Donegan, Brady, Paplauskas, Council Vice-President Favicchio and Council President Farina -8.

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

None.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

/s/ Rosalba Zanni

Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committee

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)