(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

 

 

 

MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

 

The regular monthly meeting of the Cranston City Council was held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM. in the Cranston City Council Chambers, Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Ave., Cranston, RI  02910 for the purpose of conducting the items of business appearing on the docket.

 

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 7:03 P.M. by the Council President, Jessica Marino.

 

II.            ROLL CALL

 

The roll was called by the 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, Budget Analyst/Internal Auditor; John Verdecchia, Asst. Solicitor; Anthony Moretti, Director of Administration; Tracy Nelson, City Clerk; and Steno. Ron Ronzio.

 

III.            PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the body.

 

At the request of Council President Marino, MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar, to take the agenda out of order.                       Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

IV.            APPROVAL OF MINUTES   (vote may be taken to consider as a block)

 

APPROVAL of the sealed minutes of the February 24, 2025 Executive Session

   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve the sealed minutes.    Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to consider approval of the remaining three sets of minutes as a block.        

   Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

APPROVAL of the minutes of the February 24, 2025 Regular Council Meeting  (vote may be taken)

 

APPROVAL of the minutes of the March 3, 2025 City Council Ethics Workshop    (vote may be taken)

APRROVAL of the minutes of the March 4, 2025 Joint City Council / Planning Commission Workshop   (vote may be taken)        

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Buonanno to approve the block of minutes.            Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

V.            PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND COMMENDATIONS 

 

Though there were no docketed items, Council President Marino invited Councilman Buonanno to explain the shirt he is wearing this evening.

 

Councilman Buonanno explained that he and Councilman Ritz had a friendly wager in last Friday evening’s 5^th grade basketball game between the Orchard Farms Stallions and the Garden City Bulldogs.  The loser had to wear the shirt of the opposing team to the next Council meeting.  The Orchard Farms Stallions won, so he is wearing their shirt.

 

VI.            PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENT – DOCKETED ITEMS  

           

Atty. Robert Murray, 21 Garden City Dr., was in attendance for two items: The zone change and Comprehensive Plan amendment (Ordinances 02-25-01 and 02-25-02) for 135 Atwood Ave.; and the Resolution for the Abandonment of a portion of Elmhurst Ave., which was continued last month.  He provided the Solicitor with the drafted documents.  An updated letter has been received from the Assessor’s office.  The applicant, Mr. White, is also in attendance.  

 

The following individuals spoke (via Zoom) in opposition to Ordinance 01-25-01, Change of Zone for the Terminus of Caraway Drive, denied by the Ordinance Committee.  They urged the City Council to uphold the vote and deny the zone change:  Annette (last name & address not given); Joe Narcisi, 22 Caraway Dr.; Tricia Rougas, 33 Caraway Dr.; Jon Marland, 41 Caraway Dr.; Janice Cataldo, 65 Sage Dr.; Susan Bucci, 67 Sage Dr.; and Danielle Marland, 41 Caraway Dr.

 

Mildred Moreira, 25 Caraway Dr. also spoke (in person) in opposition to the Zone Change for Caraway Drive.

 

VII.            RESOLUTIONS

 

RESOLUTION Recognizing March as Women’s History Month in Cranston; Sponsored by Councilman Buonanno, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Andujar, Councilman Campopiano, Council President Marino, Councilman Ritz, Council Vice-President Wall, Councilwoman Graziano, and Councilman Traficante  (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to approve the Resolution. Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION In Memory of Rick Gebhart; Sponsored by Councilwoman Graziano (vote may be taken)

 

Councilwoman Graziano acknowledged that Mr. Gebhart was a Cranston guidance counselor and teacher for over thirty years, as well as a local business owner. 

 

All Council members requested to be added as sponsors.

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve the Resolution.           Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION In Support of Governor Daniel J. McKee’s Litter Free Rhode Island Campaign; Sponsored by Council President Marino, Councilman Andujar, Councilman Traficante, Councilwoman Graziano, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Ritz, Councilman Buonanno, Councilman Campopiano, and Council Vice-President Wall (vote may be taken)

MOTION made by Councilman Buonanno, SECONDED by Council Vice-President Wall to approve the Resolution.           Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION Recognizing April 22, 2025 as Earth Day in Cranston; Sponsored by Council President Marino, Councilman Andujar, Councilman Traficante, Councilwoman Graziano, Councilwoman Haroian, Councilman Ritz, Councilman Buonanno, Councilman Campopiano, and Council Vice-President Wall (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to approve the Resolution.           Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION In Support of Rhode Island General Assembly Legislation Eliminating Taxation of Social Security Income; Sponsored by Council President Marino and Council Vice-President Wall   (vote may be taken)

 

The remaining Council members asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Graziano to approve the Resolution.     Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

RESOLUTION In support of H-5789 Making an Appropriation of $1,000,000 for the Meshanticut Lake Paved Walking Path in Cranston; Sponsored by Councilman Traficante and Councilman Campopiano   (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to approve the Resolution.

 

Discussion:

 

Councilman Traficante stated the park is an asset in the center of the city and is in desperate need of a facelift. 

 

Councilwoman Haroian believes the bill was held for further study.  She is not sure it will get another hearing.

 

Council President Marino wonders if there is a sister bill on the Senate side.  She knows the area well.  It does need attention; however, we are dealing with unprecedented financial times.  We will know more once the Mayor introduces his budget.  Therefore, at this time, she cannot support the resolution.  The state can still allocate resources. 

 

Trails are near and dear to Councilwoman Graziano’s heart.  She is personally worried about the word “paved”.  This is what she does for a living.  $1 million seems more than needed.  She would love to see the cost breakdown.

 

Councilman Buonanno pointed out that the bike path is already paved.  He supports the resolution for the symbolic message it sends to the State House and leadership.  He has been told the bill will be heard again.  He is not sure if there is a Senate bill.

 

Council Vice-President Wall agrees with Councilman Traficante.  This is an asset in the middle of the city.  He will vote in support.

 

Atty. Angell pointed out that lines 29 & 36 refer to a resolution.  H-5789 is actually a bill.

 

MOTION AND SECOND WITHDRAWN.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ritz, SECONDED by Councilman Buonanno to amend lines 29 and 36 of the Resolution to read “bill” rather than “resolution”. 

Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

Councilmen Buonanno, Andujar, and Wall asked to be added as co-sponsors.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Buonanno, SECONDED by Councilman Ritz to approve the Resolution as amended.        Ayes – 8  (Campopiano, Buonanno, Graziano, Haroian, Andujar, Ritz, Traficante, and Wall); Abstain – 1 (Marino)

 

VIII.            REPORTS OF COMMITTEES  

 

A.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the CLAIMS COMMITTEE meeting of  March 3, 2025: Report of Claims Paid March, 2025 (no vote) 

 

Chairman Wall had nothing further to report.

 

B.  Report from the Chair, Councilwoman Haroian, on the SAFETY SERVICES & LICENSES COMMITTEE meeting held March 3, 2025:

        (nothing to report)   (no vote)

 

C.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Wall, on the FINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held March 3, 2025: 

 

RESOLUTION Authorizing Real Estate Tax Abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor and recommended for approval by the Committee March 3, 2025 (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve the Resolution.     Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

Consideration of Tax Interest WAIVER APPROVALS for the month of February, 2025 as recommended by the City Treasurer and recommended for approval by the Committee March 3, 2025     (vote to be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilman Traficante, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve the tax interest waiver approvals.          Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

D.  Report from the Chair, Councilwoman Graziano, on the PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE meeting held March 13, 2025: 

   (nothing to report)   (no vote)

 

E.  Report from the Chair, Councilman Andujar, on the ORDINANCE COMMITTEE meeting held March 13, 2025:  

 

Councilman Campopiano announced that he would be abstaining from Ordinances 02-25-01 and 02-25-02 as an abutter and exited chambers.*

 

ORDINANCE 02-25-01 -  In Amendment of Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Zoning” (135 Atwood Ave, Plat 12 / Lots 176 & 177); Petitioner/Owner:  Michele Lombardi; Recommended for approval by the Committee March 13, 2025   (vote may be taken) [Application]

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Haroian, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to approve Ordinance 02-25-01. Ayes – 8 (unanimous)

 

ORDINANCE 02-25-02 - In Amendment of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Cranston (135 Atwood Ave, Plat 12 / Lots 176 & 177); Petitioner/Owner: Michele Lombardi; Recommended for approval by the Committee March 13, 2025 (vote may be taken)   [Application]

 

Council President Marino spoke with the Interim Planning Director.  Only four amendments to the Comp Plan can be made per calendar year.  We will take a more thoughtful approach going forward.

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to approve Ordinance 02-25-02.                  Ayes – 8 (unanimous)

 

*Councilman Campopiano returned to chambers and clarified for the record that he intended to recuse himself from Ordinances 02-25-01 and 02-25-02, not abstain. 

 

ORDINANCE 02-25-03 - In Amendment of Section 10.32.030 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Multi-Way Stop Intersections – Enumerated’; Sponsored by Councilwoman Haroian; to be referred to Ordinance Committee March 13, 2025   (vote may be taken)

 

Council President Marino wishes to be added as a sponsor.

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Graziano, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar to approve Ordinance 02-25-03. Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

ORDINANCE 02-25-04 In Amendment of Section 10.32.020 of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled ‘Stop Intersections – Enumerated’; Sponsored by Councilwoman Haroian; Recommended for approval by the Committee March 13, 2025 (vote may be taken)

 

MOTION made by Councilwoman Graziano, SECONDED by Councilman Traficante to approve Ordinance 02-25-04. Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

IX.            PUBLIC COMMENT FOR UNDOCKETED ITEMS  (no votes)

 

Susan Blake, 173 Grand Ave., referred to the Planning Commission meeting of March 5th.  Director Frias removed the $5 million from the Police Dept. budget to enclose the gun range.  No one from the Police Dept. was present to discuss.  Finance Director Zidelis was asked to confirm the noise did not exceed the allowable decibels.  With no factual reference, he incorrectly confirmed.  Per independent readings, the noise does exceed the allowable decibel levels.  She submitted an APRA request for information on who used the facility, when, and how much they were charged.  Five outside agencies have continued to use the facility.  Receipts for the first four months of 2024 are missing.  The range needs to be enclosed or moved.  The existing students have been desensitized.  New and visiting students will flinch until they are desensitized.

 

Martha Dimeo, 69 Laconia Rd., provided documents to Council in January.  She has kept Council abreast through emails.  At the last Council meeting, Councilman Campopiano supported enclosing the structure.  At the March 5th Planning meeting, Finance Director Zidelis, through the Administration, stated the Meshanticut residents would be spared because the city purchased suppressors, that there was no need to build an indoor facility, and that renting of the facility had ceased.  At the 1/27/25 meeting, she proposed an ordinance that is in line with what the Administration said is already taking place: to limit use with suppressors only and for use of active-duty members of the department only, prohibiting use by all other agencies.  She requested this item for discussion on tonight’s agenda.  The Council chose not to include it.  City Council has a duty to protect the residents.  Three more professionals have sounded the alarm.  She has copies for Council.  She asked for an open discussion on the floor on codifying the changes into law.

 

Council President Marino reminded Ms. Dimeo that the public comment period is not a back-and-forth forum.

 

Patricia Schoeninger, 7 Scotland Rd., stated at the March 5th Planning Commission meeting Commissioner Frias asked Finance Director Zidelis if Cranston was the only town using the range.  Director Zidelis confirmed.  City Council members have confirmed the facility continues to be rented out to others.  It is used for annual certification.  Director Zidelis should have confirmed before speaking and told the truth.  The $5 million plan has been rejected by the Planning Commission.  There is a high expectation for the gun suppressors.  However, they are only used on rifles, not pistols.  The most common weapon used by police departments is a Glock 22.  Their decibel level is 160, comparable to a jet engine.  An AR-15 rifle is also a decibel level 160.  Suppressors should be required for all uses, to protect the community and students.  She requested this be placed on a future docket for further discussion.

Council President Marino reiterated, procedurally, the Council must follow state law.  They cannot discuss a matter that is not on the docket.  There will be no Council discussion.  In previous years, this topic has come up on multiple occasions.  Other Council members can be approached.  There are differing opinions on the topic.

 

X.            ELECTION/APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICIALS   

            None

 

XI.            REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS   

            None

 

XII.            EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS  

 

Legal Expense Analysis for the period of July 1, 2024 through March 24, 2025 (no vote)  

 

There were no questions or comments.

   

CONSIDERATION of Request from Fire Chief Daniel Marcinko for one year continuation of service for the period March 3, 2025 through March 3, 2026 (vote may be taken)

 

Director Moretti, on behalf of the Administration, spoke in support of the request.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Campopiano, SECONDED by Council Vice-President Wall to approve the request.    Ayes – 9  (unanimous)           

 

XIII.            COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS      

            None

 

XIV.            COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS  (no votes) 

 

From Councilwoman Haroian:

·         Budlong Pool Update 

 

Director Moretti provided an update.  The site excavation has been going on for a month or so to provide the proper earth levels for construction.  They ran into an issue.  They unearthed an unexpected culvert/aqueduct/drainpipe.  Ground water is entering the pool area.  This has caused delay in the final excavation.  They believe it goes back to the 1930’s.  It is not documented on any site plans.  Internal and external engineers have been on site to evaluate.  A scope camera will be used to determine the source.  Providence Water came out and determined it is not from the water system.  Remedies will be evaluated.  There will be additional costs.  They are leaning toward plugging the pipe which will not be an extreme cost.  It will cause delay and jeopardize the pool opening this summer. The scoping is slated for Thursday.

 

Councilwomen Haroian and Graziano both expressed interest in viewing the video.

 

Director Moretti will forward to Council.

 

Councilwoman Graziano asked if construction will be held until a determination is made.

 

Director Moretti confirmed.

 

Councilwoman Graziano asked where the dewatering is being put.

 

Director Moretti answered in the rear, as approved by DEM.

 

From Councilman Andujar:

·         Providence Water Lead Replacement Service; grants; solicitation

 

Councilman Andujar informed Council and the public that Providence Water has received a federal grant for lead water line replacement.  Representatives will be knocking on doors during daylight hours in Wards 1, 2, and 3.  Those that don’t qualify for free replacement may be offered a 0% interest loan.

 

Councilwoman Haroian asked if there are maps of the areas that are covered.

 

Councilman Andujar confirmed.  They are available online.  Residents can also call (401) 575-0776 to find out if they qualify.  He confirmed the materials are bilingual. 

  

XV.            COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS CARRIED OVER   

           

RESOLUTION for Approval of the petition for the ABANDONMENT of portion of Elmhurst Avenue; Petitioner: Bryan D. White; Sponsored by Councilman Campopiano; approved by the Public Works Committee February 13, 2025 subject to “proper easements being recorded in proper way for sewer or utilities” (cont’d from 2/24/2025) (vote may be taken)  [App] [Assessor Letter] [Deeds & Easements]

 

MOTION made by Councilman Andujar, SECONDED by Councilman Ritz to approve the Resolution for the Abandonment.

 

Discussion:

 

Councilwoman Graziano announced she will ask for water, sewer, and utility easements every time.  Petitioners should be prepared. 

 

Council President Marino agrees.  She asked the Solicitor if he is satisfied with the easements.

 

Asst. Solicitor Verdecchia confirmed.  The law and ordinance do not require as much detail.  He is satisfied the legal requirements have been met.

 

Council President Marino will support in light of the issues being resolved.

 

Councilman Buonanno thanked the petitioner, Bryan White, for his patience.  Getting the easements ahead of time does make sense, even if that hasn’t been required in the past. 

 

VOTE:  Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

01-25-01 ORDINANCE In Amendment of Chapter 17.84 of the Code of the City of Cranston, 2005, Entitled “Zoning” (Change of Zone – Terminus of Caraway Drive); Petitioner/Property owner:  Margaret Scaralia; DENIED by a unanimous vote of  Ordinance Committee February 13, 2025 (cont’d from 2/24/2025) (vote may be taken)

 

Councilman Andujar will vote to deny despite the need for housing.

 

President Marino noted the developer can still build, in accordance with current zoning.

 

MOTION made by Councilman Ritz, SECONDED by Councilman Campopiano to deny the zone change request for Terminus of Caraway Drive as proposed by Ordinance 01-25-01.             Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

XVI.            INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS 

 

Council President Marino noted a scrivener’s error in Ordinance 03-25-01.  The end of Line 36 in Section 3 should read city “employees” not “fire fighters”.

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilman Andujar to take all the new business items as a block.         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; to be referred to Finance Committee April 7, 2025   (vote may be taken) [red-lined contract]   [Fiscal Note]   

 

03-25-02 ORDINANCE Ratifying the LIUNA, Local Union 1322, Collective Bargaining Agreement (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027); Sponsored by Mayor Hopkins; to be referred to Finance Committee April 7, 2025   (vote may be taken) [red-lined contract]  [clean contract]  [Fiscal Note]

 

03-25-03 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; to be referred to Ordinance Committee April 17, 2025 (vote may be taken)

 

ADVICE AND CONSENT of Mayor Hopkins’ appointment of Frank Corrao as Director of the Department of Public Works; to be referred to Finance Committee April 7, 2025   (vote may be taken)

 

CLAIMS to be referred to the Claims Committee meeting of April 17, 2025 as follows:   (vote may be taken)

 

CLAIMANT                           TYPE OF CLAIM                  DATE OF INCIDENT

Marianne Matos                      Property Damage                                01/20/2025

Jennifer Ranaldi                      Vehicle Damage                                 02/16/2025                 

Lori DiChristopher                 Vehicle Damage                                 11/07/2024

Madeline Marcantonio &

Jacqueline Bouchard              Property Damage                                09/13/2023

Sandra DeCristofano              Property Damage                                02/16/2025

Laura Barron                           Vehicle Damage                                 02/14/2025

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to refer all new business items to their respective committees.

   Ayes – 9  (unanimous)

 

XVII.            INFORMATIONAL ITEMS – NO ACTION NEEDED  (no votes taken)

             None

 

XVIII.            ADJOURNMENT (vote may be taken) 

 

MOTION made by Council Vice-President Wall, SECONDED by Councilwoman Haroian to adjourn at 8:22 P.M.   All Ayes

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk

 

 

Minutes approved as written April 28, 2025

 

 

Attest:  ____________________________

                  Tracy A. Nelson, City Clerk