(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

JANUARY 25, 2021

Regular meeting of the City Council was called held on Monday, January 25, 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, Germain, Councilman Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -8.

Absent: Councilman Donegan -1.

Also Present: Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins; Anthony Moretti, Director of Administration; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; David Dimeo, City Council Budget Analyst.

I. PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

None.

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS

(limited to docketed matters does not include new business for introduction)

Ayana Melvan, 35 Sherwood Dr., Westerly, appeared to represent the RI Afterschool Network in favor of “Resolution requesting the Governor and the Rhode Island General Assembly to allocate $8 million of new stimulus money to afterschool summer programs”. She also thanked Councilwoman Vargas for sponsoring this Resolution and working with her on this because it is a crucial matter and it is definitely a timely matter in a big issue in keeping our afterschool and summer programs open here in the State of Rhode Island and also in Cranston. She also stated that the programs are way underfunded here in the State. Because of the pause due to the pandemic, it does not mean that the need goes away. We have 58,000 youths in the State of Rhode Island waiting to get into afterschool and summer programs. We have programs all across the City of Cranston needing supplemental help beyond the grant funds they have applied for and beyond the federal help that they are getting just to keep their doors open so she encouraged everyone to vote and back up this Resolution this evening asking the Governor and the General Assembly to consider the new stimulus dollars that are coming in beyond the CARES Act dollars and have those funds allocated out to afterschool and summer programs to help keep the doors open as to continue to respond to the pandemic and help families in Cranston.

Caitlyn Blankenship appeared to speak in favor of “Resolution requesting the Governor and the Rhode Island General Assembly to allocate $8 million of new stimulus money to afterschool summer programs” and stated that our programs now are still working collaboratively, but unfortunately, without additional funding they are struggling to serve many youths that need this social and emotional time during this pandemic.

III. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR AND THE RHODE ISLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ALLOCATE $8 MILLION OF NEW STIMULUS MONEY TO AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the above Resolution.

Motion and second were withdrawn.

Councilman Reilly asked where the $8 million figure is coming from. Councilwoman Vargas stated that the $8 million comes from a recommendation from a commission set up by the Governor and a report they came up with in 2019. That number could be higher, but she is using that report for now. Councilman Reilly asked what the total amount of new stimulus money is that is coming through and how much is the State getting in that this aid would come from. Councilwoman Vargas stated that we do not know what the full amount that is coming in is. We do know that there is approximately $23.5 million that is coming into the State which is noted on the Resolution, which is coming through the Emergency Relief Fund and Childcare Fund and the $8 million would mostly come from that $23.5 million.

On motion by Councilwoman Vargas, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to amend the above Resolution as follows: line #19, after “provide”, add “financial and educational”. 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 Councilwoman Vargas, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve above Resolution as amended. 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.

IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

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

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Resolution was adopted 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

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to adopt the above Resolution.

Under Discussion:

Councilman Donegan stated that he was not present at the las Finance Committee meeting and he questioned the amount of the abatement for WJAR, which was a substantial change in evaluation. Director Moretti stated that he does not have an answer at this time, but he can obtain the information for Councilman Donegan and respond to him tomorrow.

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

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the above Tax Interest Waiver Approvals. 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.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER DENIALS

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to approve the above Tax Interest Waiver Denials. Motion passed 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.

Councilwoman Vargas questioned what or who determines, in general, when a tax interest waiver is being denied and what is asked of the person and who is giving the denial. Director Moretti stated that he will speak to the Director and provide an answer for Councilwoman Vargas tomorrow in terms of the criteria. Councilwoman Vargas stated that she does not need an answer tomorrow. She would like to have this added to the next Finance Committee meeting agenda, if her colleagues have no objections.

01-21-01S ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2020 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 (Administration Position Changes – General Fund)

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to adopt the above Ordinance.

Under Discussion:

Councilwoman Marino stated that she would have liked to have seen a savings with respect to the Budget change as opposed to a wash. She thinks there were opportunities to different positions in being available and she thinks the Administration could have availed themselves to those opportunities rather than giving substantial increases and creating new positions right out of the gate.

Councilman Donegan echoed Councilwoman Marino’s statements and stated that he is concerned about the fact that it is a new Administration and members of that Administration coming in and while he is not against obtaining potential for raises, he would have preferred to have seen that taken up in the budget once we had a chance to review the overall performance after four or five months of the new Administrative positions. He will be voting against this this evening because he would have preferred to have seen this done during the budget.

Councilwoman Vargas echoed what Councilwoman Marino and Councilman Donegan stated and also stated that it is not directed at all to the new incoming Directors, but she thinks we could have evaluated or done a step by step process on where we could have had a performance base evaluation. This is the reason she will be voting against this.

Councilwoman Germain echoed her colleagues and also stated that she has a personal concern. She stated that there are no women appointed and there should be equity.

Councilman Brady stated that there was great discussion on this topic in Committee and since he sees no change in anything in this budget and there being a net zero, he is putting trust in our Administration and the team in the transition team they put together and putting faith in the Administration moving forward on these picks. He certainly thinks it is important as we enter a year into a finance budget a few months from now and we potentially will have deficits. He understands the points of his colleagues, but he will be putting faith in the new Administration this evening and he will be voting in favor of this.

Councilman Donegan stated that with the Assistant to the Finance Director’s position being eliminated and Director Strom being out, he questioned who would step up if members of the Council had questions. Director Moretti stated that the go to person would be Mr. Igoe. He also stated that in listening to Councilwoman Marino, to try to save some money with the City, Mayor Hopkins decided to delay filling the Deputy Director position and deferring to the budget time.

Councilman Ferri stated that it is obvious that the Administration has felt that they had to make some changes to put the team in place they felt was going to be able to run the City to the best of its ability. He feels that we need to give the Administration a chance to do this. He approves this as it stands and, hopefully, we will not be looking at a tax increase six months down the road.

Councilman Reilly stated that he strongly agrees with Councilman Ferri that we are not looking at increases. He applauds the Administration that they gave us a net neutral budget and we need to move forward together as one City.

Councilwoman Renzulli agreed that this is a net neutral budget and stated that she also has some concerns as Councilwoman Germain that there are no women on this list, however, there are women who were hired in the Solicitor’s Office, Constituent Affairs and there are some part-time positions and those are all women. This is a move in the right direction and this Administration has diversified from what it was in the past and we are not spending any more money so she definitely will be supporting passing this, but there needs to be a check and balance for this Administration and we should continue to re-evaluate and going forward in the budget season, which is a few months away, we can make changes then.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Ordinance and motion passed on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwomen Marino, Vargas, Germain and Councilman Donegan -4.

01-21-02S ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2020 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 (Administration Position Changes – Non-General Fund)

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 5-4. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilman Ferri, Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilman Reilly, Council Vice-President Brady and Council President Paplauskas -5. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwomen Marino, Vargas, Germain and Councilman Donegan -4.

ADVICE AND CONSENT HEARING ON MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF:

Christopher Millea as City Solicitor

Under Discussion:

Councilwoman Vargas stated that she is in support of this nomination. She met Mr. Millea a few years ago when he ran for State Office as a State Representative and she walked with him and knocked on doors and she knows of his qualifications and hears a lot of good things about this work ethics.

Council Vice-President Brady echoed Councilwoman Vargas’s statements and stated that he got to know Mr. Millea over the last year or two, especially as he served as a Representative and he was very responsive as a City Council person as a he contacted him with questions regardless of his political affiliation. He thinks this is a great pick for the Administration and will be supporting his nomination.

Roll call was taken on the above motion 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.

Daniel Parrillo as Director of Personnel

Under Discussion:

Council Vice-President Brady echoed what he stated about the previous candidate and also stated that Mr. Parrillo has been beyond responsive and we are very lucky in the City to have his service.

Council President Paplauskas stated that Mr. Parrillo has always done a great job in the City and in any capacity he has served in the City and we are lucky to have him in the City.

Raymond Tessaglia as Director of Parks and Recreation

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to accept the repot of the full Committee and the City Council provide the Advice and Consent of the Mayor’s appointment of Raymond Tessaglia as Director of Parks and Recreation. 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.

Franklin Paulino as Director of Economic Development

Under Discussion:

Councilwoman Marino stated that there was good discussion at the Finance Committee meeting. She understands that these are the Mayor’s appointments and the City Council simply gives the Advice and Consent, but she has concerns that Mr. Paulino has not lived in the State of Rhode Island since 2005. Now more than ever, with the tough economic times and unpredictable future ahead of us, she would have liked to have seen someone that had ties to Rhode Island never mind Cranston. She is hopeful that her concerns will be wrong and his success is our success and she is rooting for him to do a good job.

Councilman Donegan stated that he will be voting in favor of this appointment this evening because barring extreme circumstances, the Mayor should have the people that he wants around him. He is slightly disappointed that we are not getting someone in that position that has more experience in economic development let alone the ties to the State or the City and he hopes Mr. Paulino succeeds in this role.

Councilman Brady stated that he can only speak about Mr. Paulino on his brief experience during the last few months. One of the greatest assets Mr. Paulino showcased to him through those few months head had the opportunity to meet him is that he is a people person. He is a positive energy, man with a cape. He can’t remember the last time he was not smiling, wasn’t uplifting a room and that persona, that personality, that positive energy is needed in the world today.

Councilwoman Vargas stated that we are going through some tough times in our City. Does she feel that the resume that has been presented before her has a strong background in Mr. Paulino as far as economic development, she does not think he does. Does she think we can all work with him to make sure that he succeeds and is not set up for failure, absolutely.

Councilwoman Renzulli echoed Council Vice-President Brady’s statements and stated that she spent some time with Mr. Paulino as she campaigned. Mr. Paulino has a good marketing background and he plans to use a grassroots approach and go business to business and visit every business in the City. He is bilingual, he is a person of color and is diversifying this Administration, which we are always talking about trying to do. We need to set him up for success as well as all the other appointees.

Stephen Craddock as Director of Senior Services

Under Discussion:

Councilman Donegan stated that he will be supporting this nomination, but he has concerns. Mr. Craddock has a very qualifying resume for a lot of things and certainly has a ton of business experience, but we are talking about Director of Senior Services and it does not appear that he has any background in senior services, which is particularly concerning given the current public health crisis that we are facing nationally and globally, but he will vote in favor and give him a shot and wish him nothing but the best and continue great work that goes on in the Senior Center.

Councilwoman Marino stated that similar to what she stated about Mr. Paulino’s nomination, while looking at Mr. Craddock’s background, she is disappointed to see that he does not have any direct experience with seniors. They are such a vital part of our population and he does not have any actual experience with seniors or the partners of the Senior Center so it gives her pause and concern, but his success is our success and she wishes him luck.

Timothy Sanzi as Director of Community Development

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to accept the repot of the full Committee and the City Council provide the Advice and Consent of the Mayor’s appointment of Timothy Sanzi as Director of Community Development. 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.

Robert Strom as Director of Finance

Under Discussion:

Council President Paplauskas stated that the City Council wishes Director Strom well and looks forward to speedy recovery and return to the City.

Kenneth Mason as Director of Public Works

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to accept the repot of the full Committee and the City Council provide the Advice and Consent of the Mayor’s appointment of Kenneth Mason as Director of Public Works. 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.

David Rodio as Building Official

Under Discussion:

Councilwoman Marino stated that as discussed at the Finance Committee meeting, while she understands Mr. Rodio has been in this position for a few years, she was glad to hear that he is open to the notion of improvement within that department. She looks forward to working with him to the betterment of that department to service our citizens.

Councilman Ferri stated that he is hoping that the Administration is going to see to it that a lot of the complaints received during the campaign will be looked into and corrected.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

(Councilman Matthew R. Reilly, Chair)

11-20-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10.32 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC’ (Scaralia & Fox Ridge Drive- 4 way stop)

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Ordinance was adopted 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. PUBLIC HEARING

None.

Council President Paplauskas asked that Attorney Angell take a look at the

language under this section of the docket and redraft it.

VI. ELECTION OF CITY OFFICIALS

JUVENILE HEARING BOARD:

Re-appointment of Kristen Haroian (Council Vice-President Brady)

Council President Paplauskas stated that this appointment has been withdrawn.

BOARD OF CONTRACT AND PURCHASE:

Re-appointment of Robert Santurri Jr., Minority Appointment (Councilman Donegan)
Appointment of Doris Blanchard, Minority Appointment (Councilwoman Vargas)
Appointment of Donald J. Roach, Council President Appointment
Anthony Mastantuono, Majority Appointment (Councilman Ferri)
Daniel DosSantos, Majority Appointment (Councilman Ferri)

No action needed.

CITY COUNCIL GRANT WRITER:

Appointment of Lisa Andoscia

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilman Ferri, it

was voted to appoint Lisa Andoscia as City Council Grant Writer.

Under Discussion:

Lisa Andoscia appeared to speak and gave some of her background.

Council Vice-President Brady stated some of Ms. Andoscia’s experience and stated that we are very lucky to have her in this position. He also stated that she acquired millions of dollars for surrounding communities.

Councilwoman Vargas stated that she looks forward to working with Ms. Andoscia.

BOARD OF CANVASSERS:

Appointment of Alice Petrone, Minority Position to expire 3/1/2021 to replace Fred Jocelyn’s unexpired term

Councilman Donegan asked for a continuance on the above appointment.

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Council Vice-President Brady, it was voted to continue the above appointment. 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.

VII. REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

None.

VIII. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

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

None.

ADVICE AND CONSENT OF APPOINTMENT OF ADAM AQUILANTE AS A MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FOR TERM TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 17, 2023

Director Moretti stated that this appointment is being withdrawn.

REQUEST TO BE CONTINUED IN SERVICE FOR ONE YEAR, DEPUTY CHIEF ROBERT RYAN, CRANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Director Moretti appeared to speak.

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, it was voted to approve the above request. 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.

REQUEST TO BE PLACED ON PENSION ROLL, CHIEF STEPHEN A. MACINTOSH, CRANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2021

Director Moretti appeared to speak.

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the above request. 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.

IX. COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

Council President Paplauskas stated that when he first got on the City Council, then Councilman Richard Santamaria, pushed through a Traffic Safety Commission. Over the last four years, positions on this Commission were not filled. Typically with spring coming, we will be starting to receive complaints on speeding in the neighborhoods and traffic violations. This Commission is already in the Code and he would like to bring that Committee back. Every Council Member gets an appointment for the Committee. There is an Administration Representative and Police Department Representative also on this Commission. He asked that the Council Members think about who they would like to appoint and he would like to try to fill that within the next month or two.

Council President Paplauskas asked what the consensus of the Council is regarding the time for Council meetings, whether to keep it at 7 pm or 6:30 pm. Council Vice-President Brady stated that the 6:30 is going pretty well, but he is open to the rest of the body. Council President Paplauskas asked if there are any objections to going back to 6:30 pm for the next Council meeting. Councilwoman Vargas stated that she is not objecting to that, but she believes that the 7 pm time is in the Council Rules. Council President Paplauskas stated that he will call a Rules committee meeting soon to address this along with other items, but for now, if the Council Members are fine with it, the time will remain at 7 pm. Councilwoman Germain stated that 7 pm is convenient for her. Councilwoman Renzulli stated that 7 pm may be more convenient for the public comments. Council President Paplauskas stated that for now, the Council Meetings will remain at 7 pm until this is addressed by the Rules Committee.

X. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

Council Vice-President Brady stated that we will be discussing Small Business Advisory Commission and this is being introduced as New Business this evening.

Councilman Donegan indicated that the City Council did not receive the report on hiring of special counsel. Council President Paplauskas stated that this was not received this month and he asked Director Moretti to forward that to the Council and any questions can be asked next month.

XI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS

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

1-21-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL LIGHTS AUTHORIZED AT CERTAIN INTERSECTIONS – PEDESTRIAN ACTUATED’ (Park Avenue and Grace Street). Sponsored by Councilwoman Germain
Referred to Ordinance Committee February 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 February 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.
Referred to Ordinance Committee February 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 February 11, 2021.

1-21-05 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17.84 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (Conformance to District Regulations Required & Substandard Lots of Record). Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins. Referred to Ordinance Committee March 11, 2021.

1-21-06 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 8.32 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘RECYCLING’. Sponsored by Councilwoman Germain.
Referred to Ordinance Committee February 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 February 11, 2021.

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.

CLAIMS COMMITTEE – Thursday, February 11, 2021

Property Damage Claim:

Ann Marie Costa from alleged incident on October 1, 2020.
Jo Anna Zackarian from alleged incident on November 30, 2020.
Brenda Rusconi from alleged incident on December 16-17, 2020.
Stephen Quartino from alleged incident on December 17, 2020.
Alfred & Gail Oakes from alleged incident on December 17, 2020.
Tatevik Martirosyon from alleged incident on December 17, 2020.
Timothy Mallin from alleged incident on December 17, 2020.
Jacob Austin from alleged incident on December 24, 2020.

Councilwoman Marino stated that she would like to recuse from vote on National Grid pole location for Natick Ave.

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, 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.

On motion by Council Vice-President Brady, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, 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.

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

2021 CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE (For Informational Purposes)

No action needed.

2021 MUNICIPAL COURT SCHEDULE (For Informational Purposes)

No action needed.

APPOINTMENT OF RICHARD DEGRANDPRE, TREE WARDEN (For Informational Purposes)

No action needed.

REPORT ON HIRING COUNCIL ATTORNEY STEPHEN ANGELL

Attorney Angell stated that the reason for the letter of engagement is set out in paragraph one of the letter and also the Charter requires it.

No action needed.

RI STATE FIRE MARSHALL BLASTING PERMIT NO. 21SFM-4.B1-PM

Blasting Location – 875 Phenix Ave. – PJ Keating Quarry 1/15/2021 – 12/28/2021

Blasting Company – A-1 Drilling & Blasting Co. (Informational Only).

No action needed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.

/s/ Leanne Zarrella, JD

City Clerk

/s/ Rosalba Zanni

Assistant City Clerk/Clerk of Committee

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)