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(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
Regular Monthly Meeting
| Jessica M. Marino, President, City-Wide | Bridget R. Graziano, Ward 1 |
| Daniel Wall, Vice-President, Ward 6 | Kristen E. Haroian, Ward 2 |
| Richard D. Campopiano, City-Wide | Andy M. Andujar, Ward 3 |
| Christopher E. Buonanno, City-Wide | Frank J. Ritz, Jr., Ward 4 |
| | Michael A. Traficante, Ward 5 |
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM. in the Cranston High School East Auditorium, 899 Park Ave., Cranston, RI 02910
YouTube Live Stream
This meeting was live streamed on YouTube. Click the link to view the meeting. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtE9vwA1B1PQHuftrNPcZjg
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. by the Council President Jessica M. Marino
II. ROLL CALL
The roll was called by the City Clerk. Stated as present: Councilman Campopiano, Councilman Buonanno, Councilwoman Graziano, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Andujar, Councilman Ritz, Councilman Traficante, Council Vice-President Wall, and Council President Marino. Also present: Atty. Stephen Angell, Legal Counsel; David DiMaio, Internal Auditor; Atty. John Verdecchia, Asst. Solicitor; Michael Favicchio, Personnel Director; and Tracy Nelson, City Clerk.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (vote may be taken to consider as a block)
MOTION made by Councilwoman Haroian, SECONDED by Council Vice-President Wall to take all four sets of minutes as a block. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
APPROVAL of the minutes of the March 24, 2025 Regular Council Meeting (vote may be taken)
APPROVAL of the minutes of the April 1, 2025 Special Council Meeting (vote may be taken)
APPROVAL of the minutes of the April 8, 2025 Special Council Meeting (vote may be taken)
APPROVAL of the minutes of the April 12, 2025 Special Council Meeting (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar to approve the block of minutes. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
V. PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS
CITATION in Recognition of Savong Sam for his role in assisting the Cranston Police Department in the location of missing woman, Linda DaLomba (no vote)
Council President Marino recognized Mr. Sam and his family. The audience applauded.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT – DOCKETED ITEMS
There was no public comment on docketed items.
VII. RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION Recognizing May 4 – 10, 2025 as the 56th Annual Municipal Clerks Week; sponsored by Council President Marino (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Council Vice-President Wall to approve the resolution.
Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
RESOLUTION In Recognition of the importance of the annual Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide; sponsored by Councilwoman Haroian, Council Vice-President Wall and Council President Marino (vote may be taken)
All other Council members asked to be added as co-sponsors.
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar to approve the resolution.
Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
VIII. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
A. Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE meeting of April 7, 2025: Report of Claims Paid April, 2025 (no vote)
B. Report from the Chair, Councilwoman Haroian, on the SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE meeting held April 7, 2025:
NEW CLASS BV LIQUOR LICENSE (vote may be taken)
OVER CAP REQUIRES FULL COUNCIL APPROVAL
Merlinos, LLC d/b/a Merlinos Pizzeria located at 889 Dyer Ave.
Jeffrey Merlino Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-9pm
Outstanding items required prior to issuance of license by City Clerk:
• RI Division of Taxation Letter of Good Standing
At the request of Chairwoman Haroian, Clerk Nelson confirmed the Letter of Good Standing from the Division of Taxation has not yet been received. The Chairwoman asked Atty. Angell for a recommendation. Atty. Angell recommended the license be continued.
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to continue the liquor license to the next Council meeting.
Franklin Paulina, Economic Development Director indicated the applicant spent the entire day at the Division of Taxation and anticipates receiving the Letter of Good Standing tomorrow.
Council President Marino referred to Atty. Angell’s recommendation. If the letter is received before the next Council meeting, she may be willing to schedule a special Council meeting on an evening the committees meet.
VOTE: Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
C. Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held April 7, 2025:
RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor and recommended for approval by the committee April 7, 2025 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilman Campopiano to approve the resolution. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
Consideration of Tax Interest WAIVER APPROVALS for the month of March, 2025 as recommended by the City Treasurer and recommended for approval by the committee April 7, 2025 (vote to be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve the tax interest waiver approvals. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
ADVICE AND CONSENT of Mayor Hopkins’ appointment of Frank Corrao as Director of the Department of Public Works; as recommended for approval by the committee April 7, 2025 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve the appointment of Frank Corrao as the Director of Public Works. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
03-25-01 ORDINANCE Ratifying the Teamsters, Local Union 251, Collective Bargaining Agreement (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027); Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; recommended for approval by the committee April 7, 2025 (vote may be taken) [Fiscal Note] [Contract - Final]
Before calling for a motion, Council President Marino announced some changes need to be made. Specifically, on page 6 of the contract “Canvassing Aide, Data Entry and Maintenance Specialist” needs to be corrected to “Deputy Registrar, Election Operations Coordinator”; and on page 50, under Canvassing 1108, “Canvassing Aide Grade 21” needs to be corrected to “Deputy Registrar Grade 22” and “Data Entry & Maintenance Grade 20” needs to be corrected to “Election Operations Coordinator Grade 21).
Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia advised the changes are not substantive and could be considered scrivener’s errors. Council can approve the contract subject to the changes.
Personnel Director Favicchio thanked the business agent and steward for their time commitment. At the request of the Council President, he confirmed the administration is confident the changes have been appropriately budgeted in fiscal year 2026. He also confirmed for Councilman Traficante that the step increases are included in the budget and the Finance Director’s fiscal note.
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilman Buonanno to approve Ordinance 3-25-01 ratifying the Teamsters Local 251 collective bargaining agreement, as corrected. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
03-25-02 ORDINANCE Ratifying the LIUNA, Local Union 1322, Collective Bargaining Agreement (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027); Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; recommended for approval by the committee April 7, 2025 (vote may be taken) [red-lined contract] [clean contract] [Fiscal Note]
Personnel Director Favicchio stated negotiations were extensive. Both sides are happy with the outcome. He confirmed for Council President Marino that the contract has been appropriately budgeted in fiscal year 2026 and can be afforded.
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve Ordinance 3-25-02 ratifying the LIUNA Local Union 1322 collective bargaining agreement. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
04-25-01 ORDINANCE Amending the City of Cranston 2024-2025 Municipal Budget (Director of Public Works Salary); Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; recommended for approval by the committee April 17, 2025
(vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve Ordinance 4-25-01
D. Report from the Chair, Councilwoman Graziano, on the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE meeting held April 17, 2025: (nothing to report) (no vote)
E. Report from the Chair, Councilman Andujar, on the ORDINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held April 17, 2025:
3-25-03 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 2, Chapters 20 and 28, to the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Administration and Personnel”; Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; recommended for approval as Amended by the committee April 17, 2025 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to approve Ordinance 03-25-03 as amended by the committee on April 17, 2025. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
IX. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS (no votes)
Robert Ferri, 2426 Cranston St. read in the Herald that Budlong Pool will not open this summer. While not surprised, he is disappointed. He was surprised to learn of plans to install a splash pad on Doric Ave. at a cost of nearly $1 million. He recalled many unfunded projects during his time on Council because there was no money. He questioned where the $950,000 plus is coming from to build a splash pad. He noted there has been no public input. A splash pad will not suffice. He encouraged Council to look into this development.
Council President Marino will request this item for discussion at the next Public Works meeting.
Councilman Buonanno asked a procedural question. How does Council handle public comments made that are untrue?
Atty. Angell suggested Council members get facts and bring the topic forward to be re-addressed at a future meeting.
X. ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS
APPOINTMENT of Anthony Mastantuono as Republican member of the Board of Canvassers for the unexpired term ending March 5, 2029; as nominated by Mayor Hopkins; in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-8-1 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Council Vice-President Wall to appoint Anthony Mastantuono as Republican member of the Board of Canvassers as nominated. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
RE-APPOINTMENT of Louis P. Petrucci, Jr. as Licensed Electrician to the Building Appeals Board for the term March 3, 2025 through March 4, 2030 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to re-appoint Louis Petrucci, Jr. to the Building Appeals Board as requested. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
RE-APPOINTMENT of Kristina Brown to the Affordable Housing Commission, as member appointed by the Council Majority Party, for the two-year term January 6, 2025 through January 4, 2027 (no vote)
Council President Marino explained no vote is required as this is a party appointment.
RE-APPOINTMENT of Amy Rainone to the Affordable Housing Commission, as member appointed by the City Council, for the two-year term January 6, 2025 through January 4, 027 (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to re-appoint Amy Rainone to the Affordable Housing Commission as requested. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
XI. REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS
PRESENTATION by Registrar/Director of Elections, Nicholas Lima, relative to the implications of the SAVE Act, President Trump’s Executive Order, and the cuts to federal funding/support for election security; and DISCUSSION
(no vote) [click to view presentation]
Director Lima went through the PowerPoint presentation. The federal government has significant control over elections. They also allocate funding for elections equipment and security. The timeline to enact the provisions is infeasible. There was a preliminary injunction issued Friday on portions of the Executive Order. The measures do not impact the budget or operations today but could in the future. It is tough to operate elections with sudden changes. The SAVE Act has passed the House and will go before the U.S. Senate. It is his understanding that the change to the voter registration law would require all 60,000 Cranston voters to provide documented proof of citizenship with a passport or birth certificate, not just the first time they register, but any time they update their registration. A Real ID will not be accepted. This will cause difficulty for anyone who has had a name change. It is an unfunded mandate. If passed, it will be effective immediately. All federal support from the last eight years is being reduced or eliminated. He announced a tabletop exercise will be conducted on June 25 with Cranston Fire, Police Department, IT Department, the Secretary of State, and Board of Elections. He encouraged Council members to read articles referenced in the presentation.
XII. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2024 through April 22, 2025 (no vote)
There were no questions or comments.
CONSIDERATION of Request from Detective Lieutenant Stephen E. Brooks of the Cranston Police Department for one year continuation of service for the period April 2, 2025 through April 2, 2026 (vote may be taken)
Personnel Director Favicchio stated that Detective Lieutenant Brooks has met all the necessary qualifications to continue in service.
MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar to approve the request for one year continuation of service. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
XIII. COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS (no votes) None
XIV. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS (no votes) None
XV. COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER None
XVI. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to take all the new business items as a block. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
04-25-02 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 030 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Multi-Way Stop Intersections – Enumerated’; Sponsored by Councilman Andujar; to be referred to Ordinance Committee May 15, 2025 (vote may be taken)
04-25-03 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 32, Section 040 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘No Parking on Certain Streets’; Sponsored by Councilman Andujar; to be referred to Ordinance Committee May 15, 2025
(vote may be taken)
RESOLUTION “School Transportation Resolution for Out of District, Homeless and Private School Students”; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno, Councilman Traficante, and Council President Marino; to be referred to Ordinance Committee May 15, 2025 (vote may be taken)
RESOLUTION “School Transportation Resolution in Support of H-5420 & S-636 & S-397; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno and Councilman Traficante; to be referred to Ordinance Committee May 15, 2025 (vote may be taken)
RESOLUTION “Public Schools Fair Funding Formula”; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno, Councilman Traficante, Council President Marino and Councilman Campopiano; to be referred to Ordinance Committee May 15, 2025
(vote may be taken)
PETITION from Narragansett Electric and Verizon New England, Inc. for placement of new pole on Cranston Street; to be referred to May 15, 2025 Public Works Committee (vote may be taken)
PETITION from Narragansett Electric for installation of new pole on Woonasquatucket River Greenway; to be referred to May 15, 2025 Public Works Committee (vote may be taken)
CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of May 5, 2025 as follows: (vote may be taken)
| CLAIMANT | TYPE OF CLAIM | DATE OF INCIDENT |
| Fernando Espaillat | Vehicle Damage | 12/11/2024 |
| Joseph Goncalo | Vehicle Damage | 02/18/2025 |
| Edgar Perez | Vehicle Damage | 04/08/2025 |
| Patricia Cipriano | Vehicle Damage | 10/29/2024 |
| Greg Bastia | Vehicle Damage | 03/01/2025 |
| Duane Erwin | Personal Injury | 03/24/2025 |
| Lovette Robinson | Bodily Injury | 09/12/2024 |
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to refer the block of new business items to their respective committees. Ayes – 9 (unanimous)
XVII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – NO ACTION NEEDED (no votes) None
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken)
MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall to adjourn at 8:04 P.M. All Ayes
Approved as written May 27, 2025
Attest: _________________________ Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk
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