(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

Regular meeting of the City Council was called held on Monday, September 27, 2021 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, RI and 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: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

Also Present: Anthony Moretti, Director of Administration; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Robert Strom, Finance Director; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel; Tom Lima, host of meeting.

On motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Council Vice-President Ferri, it was voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last meeting and they stand approved as recorded. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

I. PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

EMILY SANITA

Councilwoman Renzulli presented Citation to Emily Sanita for collecting over 200 blankets for the homeless and for her assistance with the COVID 19 Vaccination Clinic at the Cranston Senior Center.

JOHN CARDULLO

Council President Paplauskas stated that a Citation is being presented to Mr. Cardullo recognizing his 46 years of service and dedication in running the Saturday Morning Basketball Instructional Program at Park View Middle School. He indicated that Mr. Cardullo was not able to attend this evening, but thanks the City Council for this Citation.

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS & PUBLIC COMMENT

John DiBona, Esq., appeared to represent Sprague Covington, LLC in favor of proposed Ordinance 7-21-10.

Beth Narachi, 59 Bryant Rd., appeared to speak in favor of the proposed Ordinance prohibiting roosters. Council President Paplauskas asked Ms. Narachi to speak under non-docketed items or at next month’s meeting. This Ordinance will be introduced this evening and referred to the October 14, 2021 Ordinance Committee meeting. Ms. Narachi stated that she will speak at the October 14^th Ordinance Committee meeting.

III. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF BLOOD CANCER MONTH

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

RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

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

RESOLUTION URGING THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMEN AFRICAN HERITAGE HISTORY EDUCATION IN THE CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM

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

Under Discussion:

Councilman Reilly stated that he is worried about crossing the lines into the School Committee and overstepping our bounds. We should not be telling the School Department or the School Committee what to do.

Council Vice-President Ferri asked solicitor if this would be crossing the lines in telling the School Department and School Committee what to do. Solicitor stated that a Resolution is not a law, it is merely a suggestion, so it would not be crossing the lines.

Councilman Donegan agreed that this is merely a Resolution and not an Ordinance.

Councilman Campopiano asked if this has been brought up to the School Committee. Councilwoman Germain stated, yes.

Roll call was taken on motion to adopt the above Resolution and motion passed on a vote of 7-2. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”: Councilwoman Renzulli and Councilman Reilly -2,

IV. REPORT OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Council President Christopher G. Paplauskas, Acting Chair)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilman Donegan, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TANGIBLE TAX ABATEMENTS

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

TAX INTEREST WAIVER APPROVALS

On motion by Councilwoman Vargas, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, 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”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

UPDATE FROM LISA ANDOSCIA, CITY COUNCIL GRANT WRITER (Council President Paplauskas).

Ms. Andoscia appeared to speak and stated that, to date, in seven months, we have secured $135,000; Expenses have been $28,000 and return on investment has been $107,000. There are Grants that have been submitted and we are waiting for a determination on. They include a Grant for Spectacle Pond for water quality and restoration of endangered species; there is a street pave Grant; there are ones that could be potentially submitted for Open Space, which there is a 50% match; D.E.M. does have Outdoor Recreational Grants. The smallest amount is $100,000 and largest is $400,000 and deadline is December 17^th. She does expect a Tourism Grant; Infrastructure Bill on Federal level, which will include roads, bridges, road resurfacing and clean water. She also expects to see Grant through EDA.

Council President Paplauskas asked that Ms. Andoscia report quarterly to the Finance Committee.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

(Councilman Matthew R. Reilly, Chair)

5-21-09 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 10.32.100 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – NO PARKING – BETWEEN SIGNS’

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilman Donegan, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

7-21-09 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPER 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL – FILMING AND RECORDING OF MEETINGS’

On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Council Vice-President Ferri, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

7-21-10 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING (CHANGE OF ZONE - 1369 Park Ave. and 0 Park Ave.)

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

Councilwoman Marino stated in our Charter Ch. 3, Section 11, we are required to have Ordinances sponsored by either the Administration or City Council and she does not see any sponsor for these Ordinances here. She is wondering who the sponsor is. Council President Paplauskas stated that typically, we have to have a sponsor even for a Zone Change. He asked if anyone would like to sponsor this Ordinance. Councilman Donegan stated that he has no issue sponsoring it since this is Ward 3.

Council Vice-President Ferri stated that he would like to co-sponsor it.

Council President Paplauskas asked Legal Counsel if roll call is needed on the amended Ordinance adding the two co-sponsors to the Ordinance. Attorney Angell stated, yes.

Roll call was taken on amendment to add the two co-sponsors and motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

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

8-21-3 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 10 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING ON SPECIFIC STREETS’ (Dyer Ave.)

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

V. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UN-DOCKETED ITEMS

Marcia Valler, 35 Nelson Ave., appeared to speak via Zoom and extended a public thank you to Councilwoman Vargas. She stated that she recently emailed Councilwoman Vargas about a safety issue on sidewalk in Edgewood and within just a few days, she had the issue solved.

VI. ELECTION AND/OR APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

DIVERSITY COMMISSION:

APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW BUCHANAN FOR TERM ENDING JANUARY 2, 2023. (Council Minority Leader Donegan).

No action needed.

APPOINTMENT OF NAOKO SHIBUSAWA FOR TERM ENDING JANUARY 2, 2023. (Council Minority Leader Donegan).

No action needed.

CRANSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL GOLDBERG FILLING THE UN-EXPIRED TERM OF FRED RAISNER FOR TERM ENDING AUGUST 30, 2023.

On motion by Council Vice-President Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to appoint Michael Goldberg as a member of the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees to fill the un-expired term of Fred Raisner for term to ending August 30, 2023. Motion passed on a vote of 9-0. The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

VII. REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

None.

VIII. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

LEGAL EXPENSE ANALYSIS FOR 7/1/2021 – 9/27/2021.

No discussion.

REQUEST TO BE CONTINUED IN SERVICE FOR ONE YEAR DEPUTY CHIEF RICHARD MANCINI, CRANSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

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

IX. COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

Council President Paplauskas welcomed new Council Member Campopiano from Ward 4.

Councilman Campopiano thanked the City Council for their support and stated that he hopes to gain their trust and their support.

X. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILWOMAN VARGAS:

UPDATE ON BUILDING ON BROAD ST. WHERE IT WAS DEEMED UNLIVABLE

Councilwoman Vargas asked if there are any former or current tenants from that building still at the hotel CCAP is assisting with. Director Moretti stated that, to his knowledge, no, but if there are, they are on their own at this point. He also stated that to Steven Paiva’s knowledge, at the beginning of September, there were four or five.

Councilwoman Vargas asked if anyone has any idea if that building is being worked on. Director Moretti stated that, in speaking with the Building Inspector, the obligations of the building owners are to have a secured facility and is fire alarmed, which is active. There Is no one in the building, it is secured by fencing and there is a Security Guard there and they are complying with City Code.

UPDATE ON BUILDING ON BROAD ST. AND BLUFF ST. WHERE THE SIDING OF THE BUILDING FELL OFF AND INSPECTIONS WAS LOOKING INTO IT

Councilwoman Vargas stated that there were reports of bricks falling down and when she requested this be placed on the Docket, a day or two later, she saw crews working on that building.

Director Moretti stated that there is work being done. A permit has been pulled from the building Inspector’s Office. Fire alarm is working per Chief Warren and they are pretty well being completed.

UPDATE ON ARPA MONEY COMING IN AND UTILIZATION OF IT

Director Strom stated that on May 20th, we received $13,385,229. We put that in a restricted fund, which has generated, to date, $5,759 in interest. On August 30th, we received the State County share of $7,910,936 and we just invested that as well. We have total of $21,301,924. We have not used any money to date.

Council President Paplauskas asked that this be placed on the Finance agenda monthly for updates.

UPDATE ON ATV AND HOW MANY WE HAVE CONFISCATED AND/OR ARRESTED

Councilwoman Vargas asked for updates on ATV and if any have been confiscated and if they are still going to be shipped to the Dominican Republic.

Director Moretti addressed the last question Councilwoman Vargas asked and stated that the Mayor’s intent would be to do just as Councilwoman Vargas has described, but obviously, everything would have to be vetted for final disposition. As to the first question, he spoke to the Police and there has been no new activity since the April incident where three ATVs were confiscated and there were arrests. Obviously, the policy has been very successful since we have gone all summer without incidents.

SANTANDER BANK BUILDING AND ANY UPDATES FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON CONVERSATION WITH OWNER

Councilwoman Vargas stated that the bank on Norwood and Broad has been closed and some overgrowth has started to happen in that area. She asked if there has been any communication between the branch owner of that building and any plans on the economic development side for the future for that building. Director Moretti stated that the Economic Development Director has spoken to the branch manager of the Reservoir Ave. branch. They have confirmed that they are not going to renew the lease. As to contacting the property owner, that has not been done, but it could be.

SPEEDING ON BEECHMONT ST.

Councilwoman Vargas stated that this issue is being worked on with Director McAuley.

TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION UPDATE

Councilwoman Vargas asked if this Commission will be meeting soon. Director Moretti stated that the Administration has not taken the lead in trying to contact the individuals, but will be happy to.

Councilwoman Renzulli stated that she will be chairing this Commission as Chair of the Safety Services and Licenses Committee.

COUNCILMAN REILLY:

TRAFFIC ISSUES IN GARDEN CITY AREA OF WARD 6 INCLUDING RT. 37

Councilman Reilly stated that he reached out to the Administration on this and they are planning to contact D.O.T. to determine what specifically is the purpose and scope of that State project on Route 37 and how, if at all, it will impact the traffic in the area.

Director Moretti stated that he will be happy to arrange a meeting with D.O.T. on this.

COUNCILMAN DONEGAN:

PLASTIC BAG ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT

Director Moretti stated that the efforts have been more reactive than pro-active given the limited resources, but when complaints are received on non-compliance, generally, Director Paulino will remind them of the Ordinance in effect asking the business owner to comply and for the most part, they do. The one thing that is not in the Ordinance is what department is going to be responsible for the enforcement.

Councilman Donegan asked if there is a running list of places, to date, that have been visited. He asked that if there is, Director Paulino share that list with him and the Chair of Safety Services.

XI. COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER

None.

XII. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MATTERS BEFORE THE COUNCIL*

* These new matters are referred for public hearing to the appropriate sub-committee of the Council. They are listed here for referral and vote to a committee and for informational purposes.

9-21-01 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF THE 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF CRANSTON, AS AMENDED 2012 (777 CRANSTON ST.). Petition filed by Trolley Barn Associates, LLC.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 11/9/2021.

9-21-02 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (CHANGE OF ZONE – 777 CRANSTON ST.). Petition filed by Trolley Barn Associates, LLC.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 11/9/2021.

9-21-03 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 6.08 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ANIMALS’ (KEEPING OF CHICKEN HENS). Sponsored by Councilwoman Renzulli.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 10/14/2021.

9-21-04 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 6.08 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ANIMALS’ (ROOSTERS PROHIBITED). Sponsored by Councilwoman Renzulli.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 10/14/2021.

9-21-05 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2.72 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL – JUVENILE HEARING BOARD’. Sponsored by Council President Paplauskas.
Referred to Ordinance Committee October 14, 2021.

9-21-06 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 3.24 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘REVENUE AND FINANCE – REAL PROPERTY FOR TAX FREEZE FOR ELDERLY’. Sponsored by Council President Paplauskas.
Referred to Finance Committee October 4, 2021.

9-21-07 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 8 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘HEALTH AND SAFETY’ (CEMETERIES). Sponsored by Councilwoman Vargas and Council President Paplauskas. Referred to Ordinance Committee 10/14/2021.

9-21-08 ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 10.32.030 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – MULTI-WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS – ENUMERATED’. Sponsored by Councilman Ferri and Councilwoman Marino.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 10/14/2021.

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT LINCOLN AVE.

Referred to Public Works Committee 10/14/2021.

REQUEST FROM NATIONAL GRID FOR POLE LOCATION AT MEADOW LARK DR.

Referred to Public Works Committee 10/14/2021.

CLAIMS REFERRED TO CLAIMS COMMITTEE – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021

Property Damage Claim:

Erika Ramirez from alleged incident on August 14, 2021

· Property Damage and Personal Injury Claim:

Peter Luker from alleged incident on July 16, 2021.

· Personal Injury Claim:

Kenneth DelFino from alleged incident on March 1, 2021.
Karen Aliferakis from alleged incident on or about May 21, 2021.

On motion by Councilman Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, 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”: Councilwomen Marino, Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -9.

XIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO R.I.G.L. 42-46-5(a)(2) POTENTIAL LITIGATION

Vote to be taken to go into Executive Session

Vote to be taken to Come out of Executive Session

Votes taken in Executive Session reported out in Public Session.

Vote to be taken to seal minutes of Executive Session.

Council President Paplauskas asked that this be sent to a Special Executive Session meeting and also add Yardworks.

RIDOT – SURPLUS STATE LAND OFFER: TAX ASSESSOR PLAT 9:5-195, 5-196: 0 AND 125 NORFOLK ST.

Council President Paplauskas asked that this item be placed on the Public Works Committee agenda.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

/s/ Rosalba Zanni

Acting City Clerk

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)