(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).

 

 

REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL

 

-NOVEMBER 28, 2022-

 

 

            Regular meeting of the City Council was called held on Monday, November 28, 2022 in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island.

 

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

                

            Roll call showed the following members present:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan (left at 9:40 p.m.), Campopiano, Reilly (left at 8:45 p.m.), Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

            Absent:  Councilwoman Marino -1.

 

            Also Present:  Anthony Moretti, Chief of Staff; John Verdecchia, Assistant City Solicitor; Stephen Angell, City Council Legal Counsel; David Dimaio, City Council Budget Analyst.

 

 

            On motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, 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 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:   Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.     

 

 

            Council President Paplauskas indicated that Councilwoman Marino is not feeling well and has an excused absence. 

 

 

I.       PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS

                                               

WESTERN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COACH JOSE RICE FOR BEING THE 2022 UNDEFEATED DIVISION CHAMPIONS

 

            Councilwoman Renzulli and Councilman Donegan presented Citations.

 

HONORING WESTERN HILLS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY COMPETING AT THE RI STATE MEET AS THE 2022 CITY AND DIVISION CHAMPIONS

 

Councilwoman Renzulli and Councilman Reilly presented Citations.

 

 

II.      PUBLIC HEARINGS & PUBLIC COMMENT

           

            John Trimber, 143 Sefton Dr., appeared to speak regarding “Resolution opposing the establishment of pallet housing villages at the Pastore Center” and stated that he was involved with a group of 41 Cranston residents from Eden Park and Edgewood who sent a letter to the Council in opposition of this Resolution and read the letter into the record.

 

            Dave Wilburn, 14 Norman Ave., appeared to speak in opposition to proposed Ordinance 9-22-01 and stated that he has some points he would like to make:

·         Traffic – the applicant is stating there won’t be any traffic increase, that is ludicrous because they never had any traffic between 5 pm and 8 am the following morning when it was a commercial building.  There will be enormous traffic increase and all that traffic is going to exit on the side streets of Norman and Myrtle.

·         To compare any of this to Willowbrook and Garden Glen is ludicrous also because both of those have acreage and they are family oriented and they have swimming pools  and most important, they both exit on Pontiac Ave. not on side streets.

·         They are also stating that there won’t be any change whatsoever to the exterior of the building. This is false.  They have not addressed ADA concerns.  There is ADA concern there where they are going to have to supply 5% of those units, which is one unit in their case.  It is going to have to be the middle unit.  They are going to have to have a horrendously large wheelchair ramp.  The increase in elevation from the parking lot to the mid-level is 102 inches.  That is 8’6”.  They are going to have to have a ramp and it is 47’ from the parking lot to the center of the building.  They are going to have to have a ramp 1” per foot.  That means they are going to have to have a ramp that is 102’ long, which is impossible.  They could also keep the building commercial.

 

Margaux Morriseau, Deputy Director of the RI Coalition to End Homelessness, appeared to oppose to “Resolution opposing the establishment of pallet housing villages at the Pastore Center”.  She stated that temporary deployable units are a great solution to address the homeless crisis that we are having in the State.  A few weeks ago, when they appeared before this Committee, they gave some statistics that were pretty terrible and she can state that over the past few weeks since that last meeting, the statistics have gotten worse.  Right now, we have 482 people who are outside as of tonight.  The wonderful thing about the temporary deployable units is they are temporary, they are not permanent.  They address the situation as the situation is in a crisis, but once the crisis starts to subside, then those deployable units can be packed up and put away and hopefully get ahead of the crisis and not have to use them again.  Right now, we are at the state where time is running out and we are looking for alternative solutions, but spending time on Resolutions such as this one, is detracting from the work of finding solutions.  She asked that the City Council reconsider this Resolution that is before them this evening and the people speaking in opposition of this Resolution are here this evening as partners to help to address any situation that the City Council is exploring.  They would be happy to attend workshops and they are also present to give real facts so they are not distracted by misinformation such as what we have heard about the fear of sex offenders moving into temporary deployable units.  That is not the reality.  The reality is that we are going to be helping families and we are going to be helping children and asked that everyone open their hearts, open their minds and say ‘yes in my backyard’ because this is what she would prefer in her backyard.  She would prefer not having people living in tents in her backyard and she would prefer to have people in a safe structure that keeps them warm and keeps their family together especially in the harsh winter that is coming.

 

            Laura Jaworksi, formerly of 104 Bailey St., and currently serving as Executive Director for House of Hope CDC, who are nonprofit based in Warwick.  They serve well over 1,000 folks every year who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.  They also, for approximately seven years, were the operator of Harrington Hall, the largest men’s shelter in the State located on the Pastore Complex.  She is present this evening to oppose to “Resolution opposing the establishment of pallet housing villages at the Pastore Center” for many reasons that previous people have already stated. There has been a lot of dangerous rhetoric that has gone on around this Resolution.  One that paints unhoused individuals with dangerous broad brush terms such as drug addicts and sex offenders and when we start making those sorts of statements about folks, it starts to dehumanize them and that is not the approach that she does not think anyone wants to take to this issue.  In addition to do some fact finding, there has been a lot of mis-information about Harrington Hall itself, about folks who are unhoused and what they are experiencing.  She would really urge the City Council, at the very minimum, to table the Resolution and go for further study and take some time to learn more about the issue and instead of talking about doing our fair share, let’s talk about doing things as the basement and not the ceiling and really start digging deep as to how Cranston can serve as a model, and also bring other municipalities along and making solutions that address the unhoused crisis here in the State of Rhode Island. 

 

            Lundy Braun, 47 Strathmore Rd., appeared to speak and stated that she deeply opposes  “Resolution opposing the establishment of pallet housing villages at the Pastore Center” and asked to make a statement about this truly shocking dehumanizing fear in mongering effort to deprive the unhoused of any kind of warm place at home at night.  This is by two Council Members who actually sleep comfortably in their homes at night as does she and as do the rest of us.  As the weather gets colder and colder, all Cranston residents should oppose this Resolution and at the same time support the many aspects of affordable housing that we know work.  Build low-cost housing, implement rent control and jobs.  People do not want to live unhoused.  She begged the Council to oppose this Resolution.

 

            Rachel Smith appeared to speak regarding potential change to the overnight parking and stated that she hopes that any progress made on this Ordinance, Fire, Police and Highway Department would be consulted and that their opinions would be taken heavily.  Council President Paplauskas stated that we do not have any overnight parking Ordinance on the Docket this evening.  He asked Ms. Smith that she hold her comments to the second part of the Public Hearing because this is not on for a vote this evening.

 

            Lorissa Dovidio, 40 Midland Dr., appeared to speak and opposed to “Resolution opposing the establishment of pallet housing villages at the Pastore Center” and stated that tonight, 500 of your constituents, our neighbors will be sleeping outside in their tent or their car if they are lucky and tomorrow over 700 people will be on a waiting list just to be able to sleep in a bed under a roof.  This body is charged with the responsibility to take care of our City and our community and this body has been given the chance to apply a balm to this problem.  The folks who are unhoused are your constituents.  They live here, they sleep her at night.  This is where they go to work, where they go to school, this is where their family and friends are.  You could be giving these humans in crisis the chance to stabilize their lives and their families and she thinks that these community members deserve elected officials and government that will advocate for them and help them.  They deserve a community that rises up to this problem rather than shrinking away from it.

 

            Philip Graham, 78 Sefton Dr., appeared to speak and opposed to “Resolution opposing the establishment of pallet housing villages at the Pastore Center” and stated that for the past six and a half years he has been working for City Meals, which is a soup kitchen for the homeless.  He has met hundreds and hundreds of homeless people and the characterization of them in the Resolution has no connection to his experience.  These are kind and gentle people and are very grateful for what we do for them when we make meals for them.  They are deserving of our help and they need our help.

 

           

III.    RESOLUTIONS

             

            None.

 

IV.    REPORT OF COMMITTEES

 

SAFETY SERVICES AND LICENSES COMMITTEE

(Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, Chair)

 

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PALLET HOUSING VILLAGES AT THE PASTORE CENTER

           

On motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to approve the above Resolution.

 

Under Discussion:

            Councilman Reilly stated that this Resolution was discussed at length at the Safety Services Committee meeting and his statements there are on the record.  The Governor himself did say that Cranston is doing its fair share as we already have the largest men’s shelter in the State at the Pastore Center.  Even if this Resolution never existed, there should not be families and children at the Pastore Center in temporary housing,  It is against the law.  There are sex offenders.  There are approximately 32 of them right now and possibly moving up to 44 at the Pastore Center at the Harrington Hall, so families can’t go there so that argument has no basis.  The pallet shelters for families, if that is a temporary solution, that is fine.  All we are saying is we already have the largest men’s shelter in his neighborhood, in his Ward and residents have come to him to put this forward because year after year after year the State puts things in the Pastore Center because they can.  This Resolution is meaningless.  The Governor can do whatever he wants. This Resolution is merely a message saying that we do not want more.  Not ‘not in his backyard’ because it is already in his backyard.  You can see it. The whole fear-mongering, small mindedness and all the moral superiority that we are hearing tonight, all to allow the State to put temporary shelters up, that is really the solution? We are applauding this?  These people need wraparound services.  They need housing, they need places to go.  The other 38 municipalities can do what Cranston does and if only four of them do that, there will be not one person on the street tonight, so rather than being here where we already have the largest men’s shelter and we are saying ‘can we get some help’, the other 38 cities and towns can listen to all of you tonight and hopefully they would do what we do.  This is why he put this forward.  The residents in his Ward are already overburdened, the Police and Fire are overburdened for that area so it is not simply a moral argument.  There are only so many services that can go around and Cranston can’t do it all.  This is why he put this Resolution forward.  It is not to keep people on the street, it is to break the status quo that this so called compassion is allowing to exist and the homeless people stay on the streets for year after year after year and the millions of dollars that go to it simply just go to salaries.  They do not get to the people.  He applauds everyone that works with them.  He has worked at Harrington Hall and he ran a legal clinic there and he as done many other things as well so all he is saying is we have enough at the Pastore Center right now and to do more would overburden the City services and the neighborhood.

 

            Councilman Donegan stated that he will be voting against this Resolution.  This Resolution does absolutely nothing to address the root of the issue, but the words that we use and the actions that we take are not meaningless and the message that we would send by approving this is as some of the members of the community said, it is dehumanizing and it lacks in the compassion that he thinks all of us should approach our work as public servants and for that reason in itself we should be voting against this this evening.

 

            Councilwoman Germain stated that she was not able to attend the last meeting due to prior commitments and that meting was an emergency meeting and although she did not understand the urgency, when she read this Resolution, she has so many questions.  She is really ashamed that her colleagues would propose something like this that really show homeless people as less than dangerous.  We talk about sex offenders and we know that that is well-regulated in Cranston.  Don’t detract and put everything in this symbol.  We can do better.  It is not because you have to oppose the Governor, you have to show what your position is on everything, but she does not see how many pallet houses they propose to build.  We have 39 municipalities so Cranston cannot accept all of them.  That she agrees with, but at the same time, we cannot say ‘we are not taking it, not in my backyard’.  All she hears in this Resolution is diminishing human beings and not in my backyard.  She thinks that the Governor, as head of the State, should meet with every head of cities and towns and sit down and find a common ground solution to this crisis. 

 

            Council Vice-President Ferri stated that two weeks ago, he was trashed on social media.  He received a call from a woman stating that she couldn’t believe he voted for 40 pallet houses at the Pastore Center.  He asked where she saw that and she stated social media.  He asked that everyone remember one thing, there was never a vote for pallet housing in this City.  It was only a discussion.  We all received a letter from Josh Saul, the Secretary of Housing in Rhode Island and he quoted what he stated in that letter.  We have spent two meetings and many hours and gotten hundreds of people upset and according to that letter, there was never a plan to build these houses in Cranston.  As far as this Resolution, it was poorly written, dehumanizing and it was nothing but a political stunt by its authors to put fear into the neighbors that live near the Pastore Complex.  The Resolution does not address the need nor the long-term solution to the fact that people in Cranston, as we sit here right now in this 70 degree room, are sleeping under bridges, in tents and in the woods.  They are unhoused.  We are the second largest City in the State and we only do what we have to do for homeless people in the City and we do not do our share for the homeless people in the City.  We do nothing except do what we are told by the State and we are using that to put fear into the people.  Not all unhoused people are criminals and sex offenders.  Many are good decent people who want to work and have a place to live.  As this Resolution is written, he is unable to support it.  He would be willing to work with anyone that wants to put the other cities and towns in the State at a table so we can come up with a solution that we are all part of and we will stop using politics to dehumanize people without housing. 

 

            Councilwoman Renzulli pointed out that if we did not have this discussion, then none of us can really say what would have happened, but in May it was suggested to the Governor, it was published in GoLocal that they should put 500 of these pallet houses in the Pastore Center and then in October when it was already cold, like last year, the Administration is looking for a solution.  Obviously, this is an option, there was no plan.  Part of the problem is there still is no plan apparently.  The biggest challenge is not money because there is a lot of money for this.  There is money from FEMA that she thinks all the cities and towns could have applied for.  She agrees with Councilwoman Germain that every city and town should be in the room on this so that we can all figure out how to do this.  There is Continuing of Care Council and only one municipality is represented and it is Providence.  If you want us to do more, bring us to the table. 

 

            Councilwoman Vargas stated that she is not in support of this Resolution.  One issue is the payment structure.  These pallet houses are temporary and are better then tents.  It is a temporary solution.

 

            Council President Paplauskas stated that he will be supporting this Resolution this evening.  He also stated that he has the same concerns brought up by Councilwoman Renzulli.

 

Roll call was taken on motion to approve the above Resolution and motion failed on a tie vote.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwoman Renzulli, Councilmen Campopiano, Reilly and Council President Paplauskas -4.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilwomen Vargas, Germain, Councilman Donegan and Council Vice-President Ferri -4.

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

(Council Vice-President Robert J. Ferri, Chair)

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REAL ESTATE TAX ABATEMENTS

 

On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilman Campopiano, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX ABATEMENTS

 

  On motion by Councilwoman Germain, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, the above Resolution was adopted on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

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 7-1.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -7.  The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilwoman Renzulli -1.

 

TAX INTEREST WAIVER DENIALS

 

    On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the list of Tax Interest Waiver Denials.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

(Councilman Matthew R. Reilly, Chair)

 

9-22-03            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10, CHAPTER 32 SECTION 030 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC – MULTI-WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS-ENUMERATED’ – SUMMER ST. AND WALDRON AVE., 4-WAY STOP [Traffic Engineer Report]

 

On motion by Council Vice-President Ferri, seconded by Councilman Donegan, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

9-22-01            ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘ZONING’ (CHANGE OF ZONE – 747 PONTIAC AVE.) [Planning Commission Recommendation]

 

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

 

On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to amend the above Ordinance as follows:  line #102, amend “21” to “18” units,  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

On motion by Councilwoman Renzulli, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Ordinance was adopted as amended on a vote of 7-1.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -7. The following being recorded as voting “nay”:  Councilman Reilly -1

 

10-22-02          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 MUNICIPAL COURT

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, the above Ordinance was adopted on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

 

V.      PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UN-DOCKETED ITEMS

 

            Rachel Smith, 55 Mapleton St., appeared via Zoom to speak regarding potential change to the Overnight Parking Ordinance and stated that she hopes that Police, Fire and Highway Department would be consulted and that their input would be heavily weighed on any change to this Ordinance.  In her opinion, the change to this Ordinance would make the streets less safe.

 

 

VI.    ELECTION AND/OR APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

 

TAX ASSESSMENT BOARD OF REVIEW:

• APPOINTMENT OF KEITH LAVIDOMIERE AS A REGULAR MEMBER FOR TERM TO EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 28, 2025

 

 On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to appoint Keith Lavidomiere as a regular member for term to expire on November 28, 2025.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

ARTS COMMISSION:

• RE-APPOINTMENT OF PAUL CARPENTIER AS A MEMBER FOR TERM TO EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 28, 2025

 

On motion by Councilman Campopiano, seconded by Councilman Reilly, it was voted to re-appoint Paul Carpentier member for term to expire on November 28, 2025.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

PROBATE JUDGE ADVISORY COMMISSION:

• APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER WHO SHALL BE A PRACTICING RI ATTORNEY (2 YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 28, 2024)

 

On motion by Councilman Reilly, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to nominate Ann Marie Maccarone as a member to serve in the position of RI practicing attorney. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

• APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER WHO SHALL BE A RESIDENT OF THE CITY (1 YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 28, 2023).

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Council Reilly, it was voted to nominate Joseph Manera as a member to serve in the position of resident of the City.  Motion passed on a vote of 8-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Reilly, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -8.

 

Councilman Reilly left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

 

• EXTENSION OF PRESENT PROBATE JUDGE’S TERM

 

On motion by Council Vice-President Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to extend the term of the current Probate Judge.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -7.

 

Councilwoman Vargas stated that the fact that we have just extended the present Probate Judge’s term, she asked if there is a reason why we are not extending the other Judges as well.  Is there some sort of concern of interruption and why do we think that there would be an interruption or how long do we think that that extension would go?  Attorney Angell stated that the statutory scheme in Cranston for Probate is different than it is for Municipal.  Given that appointments have been made to the Probate Judge Advisory Commission, he does not know if they will meet in December or January and the Inaugural meeting is January 2^nd.  This extension is just in case an appointment is not made by then, there won’t be any lapse in the cases.  You could do the same for Municipal if you wanted to.  He believes there is no prohibition against it.

 

 

VII.   REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS

 

            None.  

 

VIII.  EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

 

LEGAL FEES REPORT FROM 7/1/2022  – 11/28/2022  

 

          No Discussion.

 

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

 

            Director Moretti appeared to speak.

 

On motion by Council Vice-President Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, it was voted to approve the above request.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -7.

 

ADVICE AND CONSENT OF MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF AMELIA LAVALLEE AS A MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FOR TERM TO EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 28, 2025

 

On motion by Councilman Donegan, seconded by Councilwoman Germain, it was voted to approve the above Advice and Consent of Mayor’s appointment of Amelia Lavallee as a member of the Conservation Commission for term to expire on November 28, 2025.  Motion passed on a vote of 7-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”:  Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilmen Donegan, Campopiano, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -7.

 

          Director Moretti announced that there will be a Tree Lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 2^nd at 5:00 here at City Hall and invited everyone to attend.

 

 

IX.    COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

 

            Council President Paplauskas stated that the City Clerk position has been posted on the City Website and applications are still being taken until December 2^nd.

 

 

X.      COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

 

COUNCILWOMAN GERMAIN: 

• DISCUSSION ON OVERNIGHT PARKING WORKSHOP, SUBMISSION OF A NEW ORDINANCE

 

Councilwoman Germain stated that, at the suggestion of Attorney Angell at the last meeting, she would like to have a workshop session to discuss this.  This is a topic that needs to be addressed and needs a solution.

 

Attorney Angell stated that his understanding was that the Council was going to schedule a workshop at which the different constituents involved would be invited to give the Council input.  Both parts of Public Safety, Traffic, Department of Public Works or every department that touches on this should also be invited to attend so the Council can hear their input.  He also suggested that everyone be provided with a copy of the 2017 study and begin to draft around it.

 

Council Members agreed to hold a workshop session on the same night as one of the Committee meetings this month.

 

• DISCUSSION OF 18-WHEELER TRUCKS GOING THROUGH NORFOK ST. AND UPDATE ON THE FEASIBILITY OF THE DO NOT BLOCK SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF RESERVOIR AVE. AND NORFOLK ST.

 

Director Moretti stated that right now there is “No Through Trucking”. 

 

Councilwoman Germain stated that she is receiving many complaints about 18 wheeler trucks going through this street.  Director Moretti stated that he will let Police know and asked that residents be asked to get license plates.

 

Councilwoman Germain asked that this item be continued.

 

• STATUS OF AQUEDUCT AND INTERVALE CROSSWALK ENUMERATED AND THE TIMELINE FOR THE MPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE

 

Director Moretti stated that this is completed.

 

• STATUS AND UPDATE ON THE BUDLONG POOL PROJECT

 

Director Moretti stated that we received some architectural drawings and they were forwarded to Councilwoman Germain.  The Architect did not attach an estimate of costs with that project at this point.  We are waiting for that estimate.

 

Councilwoman Germain asked that this item be continued to the January Council meeting.

 

•  DISCUSSION ABOUT ANY HELP THAT THE CITY PROVIDES TO FAMILIES WHO NEED TO REPLACE THEIR LEAD WATER LINES

 

Councilwoman Germain asked if there is any funding for people who cannot afford to replace the water lines.  Director Moretti stated that the City does not have any programs at this time, but the people can contact CDBG or CCAP to see if they have any funding.

 

Mr. DiMaio stated that this falls under the ARPA Funds for health and safety.

 

            Councilwoman Germain stated that if there is money available we need to find a way to help these people.  She asked that this be continued for follow-up.

 

COUNCILMAN DONEGAN:

• PEDESTRIAN ACTIVATED STOP LIGHT – DYER AVE.

 

Councilman Donegan apologized to Director Moretti.  He checked his past emails and he had responded to his email regarding this.

 

 

Councilman Donegan left the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

 

COUNCILWOMAN VARGAS:

·         REQUESTING AN EXCEL SPREADSHEET OF THE YEAR-TO-DATE EXPENSES ON ALL DEPARTMENTS AND REMAINING BALANCE

 

Councilwoman Vargas stated that she has received this information from Mr. Igoe today.

 

·         NUMBER OF CITY CLERK APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

 

Councilwoman Vargas stated that she was just informed that there are currently approximately 29 applications.  She would like to know what the process is going to be between now and the next coming weeks.

 

Director Moretti stated that the posting period ends on December 2^nd, as Council President Paplauskas mentioned earlier.  Speaking with Director Parrillo, he believes he sees some very fine candidates in that bunch.

 

Councilwoman Vargas stated that last time there was a search for the last City Clerk, there were two members from the majority party and two members from the minority party who screened the applications.  She asked if this is going to be the same process because she has been asked.

 

Council President Paplauskas stated that he doesn’t plan on changing anything between now and the end of the year.  In the past, two members of the minority party and two members of the majority party went through the applications with Director Parrillo and weeded them down and then brought in some people for interviews and obviously it is the Council’s purview after January.

 

·         PROCESS OF TREE REMOVAL

 

Councilwoman Vargas asked what the guideline is for removing a tree and how many have been replaced and how many requests have been made.

 

Director Moretti stated that he does not have this information this evening.  As a policy, no healthy trees are removed.

 

Councilwoman Vargas stated that the problem is the notice that is stapled to the tree, there is no date on the notice of when it gets posted.  If date can be added, that would be great as far as notice goes.

 

Councilwoman Vargas asked how many trees are planted for every tree that is cut down.  Director Moretti stated that he does not have that number, but there are not that many trees being cut down.

 

Councilwoman Vargas stated that she really would like to know how many trees have been planted within the last six months and how many have been cut down.  She would like a listing of this information and asked that it be emailed to her so she can share it with members of the community.

 

COUNCILWOMAN MARINO: 

• STATUS UPDATE ON PENDING GRANTS

 

Council President Paplauskas stated that Councilwoman Marino requested that this item be forwarded to the Finance Committee.

 

• INQUIRY AS TO THE CITY’S REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF TREES, INCLUDING THE PROCESS/PROCEDURES USED AND THE DESIGNATION OF TREES TO BE REMOVED

 

Council President Paplauskas stated that this item  be forwarded to the Public Works Committee.

 

 

XI.    COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER

 

            None.

 

 

XII.   INTRODUCTION OF NEW MATTERS BEFORE THE COUNCIL*

 

 

11-22-01          ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF TITLE 5, CHAPTER 68 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED ‘BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS – TOBACCO DEALERS’.  Sponsored by Councilman Reilly.  Referred to Ordinance Committee December 8, 2022.

 

REQUEST FROM COLBEA ENTERPRISES, LLC/2050 PLAINFIELD PIKE- PERMIT FOR ALTERATION NEAR HISTORIC CEMETERY #18 (FENNER-LAWTON LOT) AND HISTORICAL CEMETERY #64 (CHARLES BENNETT LOT).  Referred to Public Works Committee December 8, 2022.   

 

REQUEST FROM NARRAGANSETT ELECTRIC AND VERIZON FOR POLE LOCATION AT PIPPIN ORCHARD RD.  Referred to Public Works Committee December 8, 2022.

 

REQUEST FROM NARRAGANSETT ELECTRIC AND VERIZON FOR POLE LOCATION AT KINGWOOD AVE.  Referred to Public Works Committee December 8, 2022.

 

CLAIMS REFERRED TO CLAIMS COMMITTEE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022.

• Property Damage Claim:
• Pavillion Auto Sales from alleged incident on July 7, 2022.
• William Gorry from alleged incident on October 7, 2022.
• Cathy Bursie from alleged incident on October 19, 2022.

 

             On motion by Council Vice-President Ferri, seconded by Councilwoman Vargas, it was voted to refer the above new business to the respective Committees.  Motion passed on a vote of 6-0.  The following being recorded as voting “aye”: Councilwomen Renzulli, Vargas, Germain, Councilman Campopiano, Council Vice-President Ferri and Council President Paplauskas -6.

 

 

XIII.  MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ON CLERK’S DESK

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.

 

 

 

                       

 /s/ Rosalba Zanni

 Acting City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

(See Stenographic Notes of Ron Ronzio, Stenotypist)