(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 22, 2021

 

 

 

 

            Regular meeting of the City Council was called held on Monday, February 22, 2021 via ZOOM Webinar.

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Council President.

        

Roll call showed the following members present:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas (appeared at 7:07 p.m.), Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

            Also Present:  Anthony Moretti, Director of Administration; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; David Dimaio, City Council Budget Analyst; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel; Robert Strom, Director of Finance.

 

Agenda and Docketed Matters before the Council

 

 

            Council President Paplauskas indicated that the agenda looks a little different this evening and we need to do some housekeeping before we begin.  He asked for a motion to accept acknowledgement and approval of new meeting agenda and docket format.  This would to better conform with State Law and will work better for the City Council.

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to accept new format of the docket.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.  Councilwoman Vargas was not present for roll call vote.

 

 

 

Claims Committee meeting scheduled for 5:30 pm:

 

·         Property Damage claim of:

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to nullify the actions and votes of the February 11, 2021 Claims Committee meeting due to issues with zoom access.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.  Councilwoman Vargas was not present for roll call vote.

 

Public Works Committee Meeting scheduled for 6:00 pm:

 

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT NATICK AVE.  REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 11, 2021.  

 

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT MIDWAY RD.  REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 11, 2021.  

 

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT OAKLAWN AVE.  REFERRED TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 11, 2021.  

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to nullify the actions and votes of the February 11, 2021 Public Works Committee meeting with the exception of the request from National Grid for Pole Location for Natick Ave. due to issues with zoom access.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.  Councilwoman Vargas was not present for roll call vote.

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Brady, it was voted to nullify the actions and votes of the February 11, 2021 Public Works Committee meeting for request from National Grid for Pole Location for Natick Ave. due to issues with zoom access.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with one recusal.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.  Councilwoman Marino recused.

 

 

I.            Ordinance Committee Meeting scheduled for 6:30 pm:

 

1-21-02    ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 CHAPTER 40 SECTION 020 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL/MUNICIPAL COURT” (APPOINTMENT, TERM AND QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGE OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT) AND SECTION 130 (ACTING JUDGE/ACTING CLERK/AUXILIARY JUDGE).  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS, COUNCILMAN REILLY. 

 

1-21-03    ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL - SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE”.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS, COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY AND COUNCILWOMAN RENZULLI.  CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEN FERRI, REILLY, COUNCILWOMEN GERMAIN AND VARGAS.  

 

1-21-04    ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL - PANDEMIC ADVISORY TASK FORCE”.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS, COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY AND COUNCILWOMAN MARINO.   AS AMENDED IN COMMITTEE 2/11/2021.  

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A REDISTRICTING COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A REDISTRICTING PLAN FOR THE SIX WARDS OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS.  

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Council Vice-President Brady, it was voted to nullify the actions and votes of the February 11, 2021 Ordinance Committee meeting due to issues with zoom access.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, it was voted to take the agenda out of order to allow public to comment.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

 

II.            PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT

 

            Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution urging the General Assembly to pass H5193 and S0013 placing a Moratorium on Charter School Expansion” and stated that over the past decade or so, we have seen an expansion of Charter Schools movement in Rhode Island.  While she perfectly understands and appreciates why Charter Schools are a valuable and wonderful opportunity to students across the State, she thinks that right now with the economic uncertainty we have as a result of the pandemic as well as she is concerned that we are flooding the market with Charter Schools through the State.  She stated that she supports this Resolution to just put a hold on them for a couple of years in the State until we get a really clear understanding of the impact on the pandemic for the Sate Budget and as a result of School Budgets.  She thinks that an expansion of Charter Schools would be detrimental to our program in Cranston.

 

            Lizbeth Larkin, President of Cranston Teachers Alliance and also Social Studies teacher of Park View Middle School, appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution urging the General Assembly to pass H5193 and S0013 placing a Moratorium on Charter School Expansion” and stated that the American Federation of Teachers decades ago were in support of these specialty schools and actually opened some in communities.  An example of this is our unique Collaborative Construction Academy that is a Charter School and in their origins that were never meant to drain funding from the District Public Schools to run schools that create a parallel school system.  She urged support for this Resolution and make your voices heard along with the School Department to the General Assembly.

 

            Susan Kelley appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution urging the General Assembly to pass H5193 and S0013 placing a Moratorium on Charter School Expansion” and stated that she feels very strong about Charter Schools. Charter Schools were originally formed during the 1950-1960’s to fight integration.  They were generally corporate run and generally they do not have as qualified teachers as they do in public schools, but for her, public schools are cornerstone of democracy and if we want students to have choice, she would say first fund public schools, fully fund them to the level they were supposed to be and then talk about funding other areas of education.  She does not agree with siphoning

money from public education, which is open to all students, for entities that are often not open to all students or do not do a good job of teaching or able to practice a different kind of education without the degree of education that public schools are subject to. 

 

            Kristina Contreras Fox, Senior Policy Analyst for the RI Coalition for the Homeless, appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution urging the General Assembly to pass H5257 and S0121 to end Source of Income Discrimination” and stated that she hopes that this evening the City Council will take action in calling for there to be action taken at the State level.  Source of income discrimination literally traps people into homelessness. 

 

            Suzanne Arena appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution urging the General Assembly to pass H5193 and S0013 placing a Moratorium on Charter School Expansion”, but she is in support of Charter Schools.  She stated that the majority of the parents of children who are disabled with sch things as dyslexia, ADHD, autism and many others, would prefer to put their children in Charter Schools because it offers them access to the arts, music and things that they are denied in public schools because they are so busy doing remedial classes when the schools have let them fail so badly.

 

            Annette Bourne, 51 Community Dr., appeared to speak in favor of Resolution urging the General Assembly to pass H5257 and S0121 to end Source of Income Discrimination” and urged the City Council to support this Resolution.

 

 

III.            PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

                                               

None.

 

 

IV.            RESOLUTIONS

 

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MARCH AS “WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH”.  SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMEN RENZULLI. MARINO, GERMAIN AND VARGAS.  (VOTE WILL BE TAKEN)

 

            On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to adopt this Resolution.

 

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to amend this Resolution as follows:  after line #38, add as a new paragraph: “WHEREAS, March 8th is proclaimed International Women’s Day by the United Nations purposefully to celebrate women’s achievement and to reflect on issues faced by women worldwide; and”.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Resolution as amended and motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

RESOLUTION URGING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PASS H5257 AND S0121 TO END SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION”. SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DONEGAN AND COUNCILWOMAN VARGAS.  (VOTE WILL BE TAKEN)

 

            Councilwoman Germain asked to be added as co-sponsor.

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-1.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilman Donegan, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilman Reilly -1.

 

RESOLUTION URGING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PASS H5193 AND S0013 PLACING A MORATORIUM ON CHARTER SCHOOL EXPANSION”.  SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN DONEGAN AND COUNCILWOMAN MARINO.  (VOTE WILL BE TAKEN)

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.

 

Under Discussion:

            Councilman Donegan stated that the emphasis for him is to look at the financial situation that the State and the City could potentially be in or is in and making sure that our Cranston Public School system is adequately funded.  The expansion of creation of new Charter Schools will unequivocally take resources out of the Cranston School system.  Putting a three-year moratorium on creation of new Charter Schools or expansion of Charter Schools will allow us to get through the current times and also give the General Assembly the opportunity to take a look and re-evaluate the State education formula and to see what the greater impact is going to be.  He urged everyone to support this. He believes that this is in the best interest of our Cranston Public Schools and teachers and students that are part of our community.

 

Councilwoman Marino stated that she hopes that the City Council supports this Resolution. This is not about Charter versus Public.  This is about first and foremost fiscal responsibility.  It is unwise for us, as a State, to invest this kind of money in expanding Charter Schools at the cost of taking it away from public schools without doing our homework first.  If we do not encourage the House to support this Resolution, it is going to cost us money in the end.  This is for the benefit of all of our children for the children that need the benefits of Charter Schools and need the benefits of public schools, but we need to take the time to re-examine it to make sure that it is being invested properly.

 

Councilwoman Germain stated that it is not about Charter Schools versus Public Schools, it is not about like versus dislike of Charter Schools.  It is about doing the right thing and how equitable we want to take our action to serve our students and our teachers.  She asked that the Council fully support this Resolution and hopes everyone votes on this Resolution for our children.

 

Council Vice-President Brady thanked the sponsors and the Superintendent for coming on this call and speaking this evening and the other speakers.  He has asked numerous people on the State level why it is I the arbitrary three years and why not just discuss it for this year and he has not been able to get an answer.  This would be a great answer to get from the State.  He is not particularly fond of the three years, but he does believe that our schools in Cranston have to be funded and he does believe this has to be discussed at the State level and he will be voting in favor of this Resolution this evening.  He is also looking forward to having a joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee to understanding this funding formula more so we can all continue to advocate for additional funding for the future of our children in Cranston. 

 

Councilman Reilly stated that this is a tough issue.  From his research, Charter Schools disproportionally affect the environments that they are in.  They can be more effective than they can be in a suburb or a rural community.  He also stated that he has some questions of why the arbitrary three-year number is there.

 

            Councilwoman Vargas stated that she thinks the focus of this pertains to not policy but financially in the sense of the money following the students and money taken away from the school districts and instead being applied to this Charter issue.  As to the three-year number, that is a great question that we should get an answer to.

 

            Councilman Donegan clarified that this legislation would not impact the Laborer’s Academy or the Career & Technical Center here in Cranston. 

 

            Councilwoman Renzulli echoed sentiments of Council Vice-President Brady and Councilman Reilly in questioning the three year.  She stated that she will be supporting this Resolution and we need more discussion on the pluses of Charter Schools and bringing those into public schools and what the public schools have that the Charter Schools do not.

           

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

 

V.            REPORT OF COMMITTEES

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE OF FEBRUARY 1, 2021

(Council Vice-President Edward J. Brady, Chair)

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS.  (VOTE WILL BE TAKEN)

 

Council Vice-President Brady indicated that there is a scrivener’s error on the docket, but the link is correct.

 

            On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve this list of Abatements.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TANGIBLE TAX ABATEMENTS.  (VOTE WILL BE TAKEN)

 

Council Vice-President Brady indicated that there is a scrivener’s error on the docket, but the link is correct.

 

            On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to approve this list of Abatements.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS (VOTE WILL BE TAKEN)

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, it was voted to approve this list of Tax Interest Waiver Approvals.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE OF FEBRUARY 1, 2021

(Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, Chair)

 

CLASS B VICTUALLING LIQUOR LICENSE-NEW (Over the Cap – requires Council Approval) 

CAMP NOWHERE, LLC d/b/a Camp Nowhere 641 Fletcher Ave.

Ezra Spitzer-Williams and James Rutkovsky  (WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT)  

(Vote will be taken to accept the correspondence re withdrawal and make it part of the record)

 

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilman Donegan, it was voted to accept the correspondence of withdrawal of this application and make this part of the record.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

CLASS B VICTUALLING LIQUOR LICENSE-NEW (Over the Cap – requires Council Approval) 

L.A. BAILEY’S, LLC d/b/a L.A. Bailey’s Café 1458 Park Ave.

Laurie Keough

(Vote will be taken)   

 

            Solicitor indicated that for information for the City Council, the Charter requires 2/3 approval by the City Council rather then simple majority.

           

            On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to approve this license application.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

 

VI.            PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Gretchen Bingle, 27 Perennial Dr., appeared to speak and stated that it was very nice this evening to hear everyone being respectful and show professionalism. The thanked everyone for keeping the level of decorum that we have had with past City Council.  As to the meetings on Zoom, she loves the Zoom and would like to see it continue in some form of fashion because it gives access to everybody.  She has concerns about the docket and how it is being formatted.  As to the change made this evening to allow comments on docketed matters, is that going to stay or is public only going to be able to comment on docketed matters after they are voted on.  As to the language of what is going to be voted on and what is not, she finds that extremely helpful. 

 

            Council President Paplauskas stated that public comment will not be stifled.  The docket is a work in progress and we are trying to make it as informational as possible and he does not foresee public comment going anywhere.

 

 

VII.            ELECTION AND/OR APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

 

Cranston Housing Commission:

 

·         Jeffrey Barone, Majority Member Appointment 3-year term.  Sponsored by Council President Paplauskas.  (Informational only - no vote will be taken)

 

No action needed.

 

·         Frank Dizoglio, Majority Member Appointment 2-year term.  Sponsored by Councilman Ferri and Councilman Reilly.  (Informational only - no vote will be taken)

 

No action needed.

 

·         Annette Bourne, Minority Member Appointment.  3-year term Sponsored by Councilman Donegan (Informational only - no vote will be taken)

 

No action needed.

 

·         Amy Rainone, Minority Member Appointment. 2-year term Sponsored by Councilman Donegan (Informational only - no vote will be taken)

No action needed.

 

·         Derik Tutt, Full Council Appointment 2-year term.  Sponsored Councilwoman Renzulli and Council Vice President Brady.  (Vote will be taken)

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to appoint Derik Tutt as a member of the Cranston Housing Commission.   Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

Board of Canvassers:

 

·         Appointment of Quilcia Monronta, Minority Position new term beginning 3/2/2021 to expire *3/1/2027.  *(Vote will be taken)

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to appoint Quilcia Monronta as a member of the Board of Canvassers.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

Traffic Safety Committee:

 

·         Matthew Volpi, Sponsored by Council President Paplauskas 

(Informational only - no vote will be taken)

 

No action needed.

 

·         Stephen T. Quartino, Sponsored by Councilwoman *Marino

(Informational only - no vote will be taken)

 

No action needed.

 

·         Ivy Swinski, Sponsored by Councilman Donegan

(Informational only - no vote will be taken)

 

No action needed.

 

 

VIII.            REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

 

None.

 

 

IX.            EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

                                                                     

Council President Paplauskas stated that this is normally where the City Council gets the legal report.  He asked Administration if there is a legal report for this month.

 

Director Moretti stated that he had requested twice from Anna Marino to forward this report to the City Clerk and the City Clerk was to forward it to the City Council.  He asked City Clerk if that has been done.  City Clerk stated that she believes it was received, but there was an issue providing the distribution due to a question of whether some of the information in the report should be redacted and is waiting Solicitor’s opinion and the report will be provided next month.

 

            Council President Paplauskas asked that the City Clerk confer with the Solicitor tomorrow to see if a copy of the report can be sent to the City Council and place it on the Finance Agenda so we do not have to wait until the next Council meeting.

 

 

X.            COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS 

 

Council President Paplauskas sent his sincere and deepest condolences to a mutual friend and family of many of the Council Members, the Bombadier family, who recently lost Amanda Bombadier, and thoughts and prayers go to the Bombadier family.

 

            Council President Paplauskas recognized that this month there has been some powerful discussion on Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

 

 

XI.            COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

 

Councilman Donegan:

·         Landlord and Snow Removal (Informational only)

 

Councilman Donegan stated that this issue has come up before where a constituent is a tenant and individual was disabled and unable to clear their property and the landlord or property owner was not going to address it.  He asked, as a City, what if anything, can be done and what role can the City play in that regard to make sure that all our sidewalks are cleared and safe and whose responsibility would ultimately come down on.  Solicitor stated that assuming we have a valid Ordinance, are we responsible for enforcing it?  The answer is obviously yes. In terms of what private individuals may arrange between themselves by contract, that is a different issue.  We do have an Ordinance requiring businesses keep the sidewalks immediately adjacent to their place of business clear of snow.  To his knowledge, he does not know if this has ever been tested in a Court because, himself speaking o his own behalf, he has some concerns with an Ordinance or a law which imposes a duty on a private citizen to basically work for the City.  This is City owned property and we are passing a law telling a private citizen to have to clear property which does not belong to them, we own it but you are responsible for maintaining it.  He, himself, has some concerns about that from constitutional perspective.  He does not know if this has been challenged, he does not know what would happen if it were challenged, but until it is, it is an Ordinance that is on the books.  Ultimately, it is like any other Ordinance that we have for public safety, it is up to the City through Code Enforcement, through Public Works, whoever, to enforce the Ordinance.

 

Council Vice-President Brady:

·         Discussion of a plan of how to get council back in chambers safely over the coming months (Informational only)

 

            Council Vice-President Brady addressed the issue of how we safely get back into the Council Chambers and would like some discussion and start having full Council meetings back live.  Personally, he can’t relate with someone in passionate discussion as much as seeing them in person.  It is important, as a small business owner, that he continue to advocate for ways to safety re-open our economy. 

 

            Director Moretti stated that Mayor Hopkins would love to have the City Council back safely and we have to make sure that the internet communication is intact.  If the City Council wishes to discuss with the Administration, in terms of support, the Administration would be more than happy to have the City Council back in.

 

 

XII.            COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER

 

None.

 

 

XIII.            INTRODUCTION OF NEW MATTERS BEFORE THE COUNCIL*

 

* Each new matter is referred for public hearing, by a majority vote of the Council, to the appropriate sub-committee of the Council. They are listed here for referral to a committee and for informational purposes. Such majority vote may to refer individual matters or matters may be grouped be committee and voted on for referral to that committee.  

 

·         Advice and Consent of appointment of James Warren as Fire Chief, Cranston Fire Department (Referred to Special Finance Committee March 11, 2021). 

 

2-21-01           ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ZONING” (CHANGE OF ZONE – EXTENSION OF PEPPER MILL LANE).  PETITION FILED BY DAVID DELFINO. 
Referred to Ordinance Committee April 15, 2021.

 

2-21-02           ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 CHAPTER 72 SECTION 060 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL/JUVENILE HEARING BOARD” SPONSORED BY COUNCILWOMAN MARINO. 
Referred to Ordinance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

1-21-02           ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 CHAPTER 40 SECTION 020 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL/MUNICIPAL COURT” (APPOINTMENT, TERM AND QUALIFICATIONS OF JUDGE OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT) AND SECTION 130 (ACTING JUDGE/ACTING CLERK/AUXILIARY JUDGE).  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS, COUNCILMAN REILLY. 
Referred to Ordinance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

1-21-03           ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL - SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE”.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS, COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY AND COUNCILWOMAN RENZULLI.  CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCILMEN FERRI, REILLY, COUNCILWOMEN GERMAIN AND VARGAS. 
Referred to Ordinance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

1-21-04           ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL - PANDEMIC ADVISORY TASK FORCE”.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS, COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY AND COUNCILWOMAN MARINO. 
Referred to Ordinance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A REDISTRICTING COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A REDISTRICTING PLAN FOR THE SIX WARDS OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT PAPLAUSKAS.  
Referred to Ordinance Committee March 11, 2021.

 

RESOLUTION - LOAN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $147,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 50% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE AND PROVIDED THAT THE AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF CERTAIN GRANTS RECEIVED FROM STATE BOND PROCEEDS, FROM THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR FROM THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY. 
Referred to Finance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

RESOLUTION - LOAN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $2,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION AND REPAIR OF FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $2,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY. 
Referred to Finance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

RESOLUTION - LOAN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, REPAIR, ALTERATION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN THE CITY BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $1,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY. 
Referred to Finance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

RESOLUTION - LOAN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, REPAIR AND ALTERATION OF PLAYGROUNDS, ATHLETIC FIELDS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT IN THE CITY BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $2,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY.  
Referred to Finance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

RESOLUTION - LOAN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO FINANCE THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND BRIDGES IN THE CITY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO PAVING, DRAINAGE, TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ROAD MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT, SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AND LANDSCAPING AND ALL COSTS INCIDENTAL OR RELATED THERETO BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $10,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY. 
Referred to Finance Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

RESOLUTION - LOAN ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, EQUIPPING AND INSTALLATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY CONSERVATION IMPROVEMENTS THAT REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AND/OR USE OF FOSSIL FUELS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES IN THE CITY AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ENGINEERING COSTS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NOT MORE THAN $5,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR.  SPONSORED BY COUNCIL VICE-PRESIDENT BRADY. 
Referred to Finance Committee March 11, 2021.

 

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT NATICK AVE. 
Referred To Public Works Committee March 11, 2021. 

 

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT MIDWAY RD. 

Referred To Public Works Committee March 11, 2021. 

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT OAKLAWN AVE. 

Referred To Public Works Committee March 11, 2021. 

Referred to Claims Committee – Thursday, March 11, 2021

·        Property Damage Claim:

 

 

On motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it was voted to refer the above new business except for Pole Location for Natick Ave. to the respective Committees.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to refer the National Grid Pole Location for Natick Ave. to the respective Committee.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with 1 recusal.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.  Councilwoman Marino recused.

 

 

XIV.            MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

 

None.

 

 

XV.            EXECUTIVE SESSION – Closed Meeting per R.I. Gen. § Laws 42-46-4

 

·         Session pertains to litigation (prospective) per R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) and Investigative Proceedings regarding allegations of civil misconduct per R.I. Gen. § Laws 42-46-5(a)(6).

 

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, it was voted to go into Executive Session pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-5(a)(2) and Investigative Proceedings regarding allegations of civil misconduct per R.I. Gen. § Laws 42-46-5(a)(6).  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

The meeting went into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m.

 

Present in Executive Session:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel; Leanne Zarrella, City Clerk; Rosalba Zanni, Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committees.

 

On motion by Councilwoman Vargas, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to come out of Executive Session.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

The meeting came out of Executive Session at 9:50 p.m.

 

On motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, it was voted to seal the minutes of Executive Session.  Motion passed on a vote of 9-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Marino, Councilman Ferri, Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -9.

 

            Council President Paplauskas indicated that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than a vote to come out of Executive Session.

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.

 

 

                                                                        /s/ Leanne Zarrella, JD

                                                                        City Clerk

 

 

 

 

/s/ Rosalba Zanni

Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)

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