I.          CALL TO ORDER BY THE CITY CLERK

Following opening ceremonies, the inaugural meeting of the newly elected Cranston City Council was called to order by the City Clerk, Tracy A. Nelson, at 8:05 P.M.

II.        ROLL CALL OF THE COUNCIL-ELECT

The roll was called by City Clerk, Tracy A. Nelson.  Stated as present:  Councilwoman Jessica M. Marino, Councilman Richard D. Campopiano, Councilman Christopher E. Buonanno, Councilwoman Bridget R. Graziano, Councilwoman Kristen E. Haroian, Councilman Andy M. Andujar, Councilman Frank J. Ritz, Jr., Councilman Michael A. Traficante, and Councilman Daniel R. Wall.  

III.       ELECTION OF OFFICERS

•         Election of City Council President (votes may be taken)

Clerk Nelson opened the floor to nominations for the office of Council President.

Councilman Wall nominated Councilwoman Marino.  The nomination was seconded by Councilwoman Haroian.

With no further nominations heard, the Clerk closed the nominations and called the roll:

Marino – Aye, Campopiano – Aye, Buonanno – Aye, Graziano – Aye, Haroian – Aye, Andujar – Aye, Ritz – Aye, Traficante – Aye, Wall – Aye. 

The City Clerk announced Councilwoman Jessica M. Marino has been duly elected President of the Cranston City Council by unanimous vote.

The City Clerk congratulated President Marino and turned the gavel over to her to preside over the remainder of the meeting.

•         Election of City Council Vice-President  (votes may be taken)

Council President Marino opened the floor to nominations for Vice-President.

Councilwoman Haroian nominated Councilman Wall.  The nomination was seconded by Councilman Andujar.

With no further nominations heard, the Council President closed the nominations for Vice-President.

The Clerk called the roll:  Campopiano – Aye, Buonanno – Aye, Graziano – Aye, Haroian – Aye, Andujar – Aye, Ritz – Aye, Traficante – Aye, Wall – Aye, Marino – Aye.

Council President Marino announced that Councilman Wall has been duly elected the Vice-President of the City Council by unanimous vote.

•         Announcement of City Council Majority and Minority Leaders  (no vote)

Council Vice-President Wall announced that Councilwoman Haroian has been selected as Majority Leader of the City Council.

Councilman Buonanno announced that Councilman Campopiano has been selected as the Minority Leader of the City Council.

The Council President addressed the audience, thanking family, friends, city officials, and residents and offered messages for the coming term.

IV.       APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS

•         City Council Legal Counsel  (votes may be taken)

NOMINATION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and unanimously approved to appoint Stephen J. Angell, Esq. as Legal Counsel.

Council President Marino administered the Oath of Office to Attorney Angell.

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and unanimously approved to take all judicial appointments as a block.  

•         Municipal Court Judges  (votes may be taken)

•         Auxiliary Judges  (votes may be taken)

•         Probate Judge  (votes may be taken)

NOMINATION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and approved by unanimous vote to appoint the following slate of judges:

Raymond C. Coia, Chief Judge

Michael E. Forte, Jr., Senior Associate Judge

Emily B. Vaziri, Associate Judge

Susan M. Pires, Associate Judge

Angelyne E. Cooper, Associate Judge

Robert A. Rogosta, Auxiliary Judge

Kenneth A. Schreiber, Auxiliary Judge

Cynthia M. Fogarty, Probate Judge

The Oath of Office was administered by the Honorable Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson.

•         Municipal Court Clerk  (votes may be taken)

NOMINATION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and unanimously approved to appoint Maranda Botelho Municipal Court Clerk.

Council President Marino administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Botelho.

•         Registrar   (votes may be taken)

NOMINATION made by Councilman Buonanno, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante, and unanimously approved to appoint Nicholas J. Lima as City Registrar.

Council President Marino administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Lima.

•         Council Auditor/Budget Analyst  (votes may be taken)

NOMINATION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and unanimously approved to appoint David DiMaio as Council Auditor/Budget Analyst.

Council President Marino administered the Oath of Office to Mr. DiMaio.

•         Council Grant Writer  (votes may be taken)

NOMINATION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian, and unanimously approved to appoint Lisa M. Andoscia as City Council Grant Writer.

Ms. Andoscia was not in attendance.

Council President Marino provided closing remarks.

V.         ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken)

MOTION was made by Council Vice-President Wall, seconded by many and unanimously approved to adjourn at 8:59 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk

Minutes approved as written January 27, 2025

Attest:  _______________________________

                   Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk