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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
August 19, 2025
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONFERENCE ROOM A
OPEN SESSION WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW EXECUTIVE SESSION
Notice: The meeting will also be viewable live at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YEW6s1RpjcKR47VMil1LA
City Council:
Council President, Bob Rodericks – At Large
Council Vice-President: Frank Rego – Ward 1
Councilwoman Anna Sousa - Ward 2
Councilman Frank Fogarty - Ward 3
Councilman Rick Lawson - Ward 4
City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello
City Clerk, Andreza (Andy) Skipworth
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Fogarty X Lawson X Rego X Sousa A Rodericks X
II. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session, pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
1. In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation Case No. 1:17-MD-2804
Review & discussion of proposed Purdue Direct Settlement - Authority of City Solicitor to execute any & all necessary settlement documents
Stayed in open session
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
MOTION RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION - NONE
MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES - NONE
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
V. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes 7/15/2025
B. TAX ABATEMENTS: Cancellations/Abatements
| YEAR | AMOUNT |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| 2017 Tax Roll | $217.11 |
| 2025 Tax Roll | $26630.60 |
| TOTAL | $26,847.71 |
C. LETTERS:
1. 2 - 6 Rounds Avenue, East Providence, RI, 02915, Map 512, block 11, Parcel
0038.0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
VI. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. MOTION TO BUNDLE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING (1 through 11)
1. Block Party Application/Food Truck Event (READ IN ONLY)
Applicant: Michelle Perry
Business Name: East Providence Arts Council
Event Address: 684-700 Bullocks Pt. Avenue
Date & Time: 8/9/25; 12pm – 6pm
2. Block Party Application/Food Truck Event
Applicant: John Fuzek
Business Name: Hear in Rhode Island Inc
Event Address: Bullocks Point (Crescent Park)
Date & Time: 8/24/25; 12pm -6pm
3. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Jennifer Terceira
Business Name: Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity
Event Address: 59 Brightridge Avenue
Date & Time: 9/28/25; 1pm – 6pm
4. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Tara Machado
Business Name: Machado John J
Event Address: 79 Narragansett Avenue
Date & Time: 8/31/25; 4pm – 10:30pm
5. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Pam Byrd
Business Name: Trinity Tabernacle, Inc
Event Address: 12 McCausland Avenue
Date & Time: 9/14/25; 10am – 5pm
6. New License Transfer of Owner – Victualing; Sunday & Holidays
From: Savalan Ashurov To: Bedri Acar
Business Name: Wise Guys Riverside
Business Address: 467 Willet Avenue, Riverside
7. New MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT License
Applicant: Savanna Gouveia
Business Name: Pretty in Pink
Owners’ Address: 94 Potters Avenue, Providence
8. New MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT License
Applicant: Kristi Dukoff
Business Name: Kristi’s Krafftails
Owners’ Address: 691 Mian Street, Warren
9. New Business License Victualing, Sunday & Holidays; Change of Tenancy
Applicant: Stephanie Lim
Business Name: From Malys Bonsai Nails & Spa To: Cutiesie Nails & Spa
Business Address: 71 Highland Avenue, E. Providence
10. New MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT License
Applicant: Tiffany Ting
Business Name: Providence Poke LLC
Owners’ Address: 185 Camp Street, Providence
11. License Renewal – Health & Fitness Center
Applicant: Jonathan Machado
Business Name: Best Self: Health & Fitness
Business Address: 1050 Willett Avenue, Riverside
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING (CONTINUED)
1. Special Event One Day Alcoholic License
Applicant: John Fuzek
Business Name: Hear in Rhode Island, Inc
Event Address: Crescent Park, 701 Bullocks Point, Riverside
Date & time: 8/24/25; 12pm – 6pm
D. PUBLIC HEARING
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
Any person who submits a communication to the Council and wishes to speak on it must indicate this in writing no later than 4:00 p.m. the Thursday prior to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting. A person who lists more than one topic on their communication will be allowed to speak on the first one listed.
NONE
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
All persons wishing to make public comment shall sign a public comment sheet stating their name, address and the subject of their comments. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes. The order of speakers will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and the maximum time for public comment shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes per meeting.
NONE
IX. APPOINTMENTS
NONE
X. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Breakdown by banking account the amount balance in each account as of July 31, 2025. Council Vice President Rego; items requested were received on 8/19/25 from COS.
2. Update on inspections of all nursing facilities, assisted living, high rise living , boarding houses, hotel and motels, by both the fire and building departments. Council Vice President Rego; information requested was received on 8/19/25 from COS.
3. Traffic patterns and issues on Anthony Street. Council President Rodericks
Requested that the City do a survey on the traffic flow of the street and suggest maybe making it a one way or one side parking street as the street is narrow and causing problems with vehicles trying to pass up and down the street. Residents are having difficulties pulling out of their driveways safely.
4. Request for items to be included in the capital budget. Councilman Lawson
1. Pre-teen activities in the playground. 2. Crescent Park on water side to add composting toilets.
5. City Hall outside flag display protocol. Councilman Lawson – removed an ordinance was created.
6. Statement on Oldham school – incubator on behalf of residents. Councilman Lawson; Councilman Lawson is against housing on that property.
7. Discuss of FY ’25-26 budget hearing schedule. Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and final passage for discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”
Summary: Subsection (c) of Sec. 18-268. The purpose of this ordinance is to place a do not enter, local traffic only sign (Armington Avenue). Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty. No public comment
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 2 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Administration”
Summary: Adding Section 2-298, allocation 50% of speed and red-light camera revenue towards the East Providence School Department capital revolving fund. Introduced by Councilman Lawson Motion to table indefinitely. Councilman Fogarty stated that public safety bills should not be allocated for school safety funds only.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | 2nd | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. An Ordinance in amendment of Chapter 5 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Fire Prevention” Summary: Adding Section 5-57 Solicitation at Fire Scenes – Prohibited Conduct Introduced by Council Vice President Rego
No public comment
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. An ordinance adopting the 2025-2035 East Providence Comprehensive Plan
No public comment; Director of Planning, Keith Byrnes pointed out that this comprehensive plan is usable to guide the City of East Providence decisions but not the state pf Rhode Island.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
5. Ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating $275,000 for unanticipated costs associated with building renovations/improvements to the police station. Summary: The purpose of this Ordinance is to allocate two hundred seventy-five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($275,000) for unanticipated costs associated with building renovations/improvements to the police station from City Capital. Introduced by Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS - NONE
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS – Chief of Staff Patricia Resende
1. Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation
NONE
2. Appointment/Reappointment not requiring Council Confirmation
NONE
3. Items for announcement/discussion
· June finance and capital reports – Dir. Of Finance Glenda Delgado
· RFEOI - The City of East Providence is seeking Expressions of Interest from vendors (“applicants”) with expertise to lead the development of the former Oldham School, a prominent historic structure owned by the city, located at 640 Bullocks Point Avenue.
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
1. Request to approve residential handicap parking sign for 34 West Street, East Providence, RI 02914. Dan Borges Director of Public Works
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson
Councilman Lawson stated he is prepared to fully support the school departments budget.
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote
1. Resolution requesting to name the basketball court at Kent Heights park the “Vincent ‘Vinny’ Spremulli Memorial Basketball Court". Introduced by Councilman Fogarty The City is having a small gathering on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 12pm – 2pm at Kent Heights Basketball Courts (Rain Date Sunday, September 7th). In celebration of renaming and placing the plaque on the basketball court. Councilman Fogarty stated A discussion of an annual Vinny “Vin” Spremulli basketball tournament is in the works. More details to follow.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract extension with MTG Disposal, LLC for refuse/recycling collection. Introduced by Council Vice President Rego Director of Public Works Dan V. Borges gave brief financial benefits and justification for the contract extensions. 1. Significant Savings - $209,412; 2. Level Funding for FY26 – Year One rate of $2, 467,000 allows us to effectively level-fund rubbish and recycling budget; 3. Competitive Household Cost – East Providence’s proposed first year rate of $2,467,000 for $16,924 household translates to a per-household cost of $145.77.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. Resolution Adopting Flag Protocols at East Providence City Hall. Introduced by Councilman Lawson Protocol is as follows, American flag center, right of American flag is the RI flag, Left of American is the Ceremonial flag. Both left and right flags fly lower than the American flag. The city will continue to honor other countries and heritages. Chief of Staff Resende noted that protocol states that country flags will fly equal to the is to American flag as long as that country is at peace.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. Resolution authorizing the award of contracts for the East Providence Community Center by Bentley Companies LLC consistent with the guaranteed maximum price. Introduced by Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance increasing the annual salary of the city council pursuant to Section 2-3 of Article II of the City Charter. Annual salary of each City Council member shall increase to $9,000.00 and the Council President shall also be entitled to an additional payment of $1,000 above the salary as set forth in Section 1 of this ordinance. Effective January 1, 2027. Introduced by Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Fogarty noted that serving on a council is not limited to two meetings a month, it means constant calls, emails, meetings with constituents, follow-ups on projects and representing our city every day. If you factor in the number of hours the current stipend pays it doesn’t amount to $3 an hour. If the pay remains too low, we run the risk of not having good East Providence residents stepping up and wanting to serve the City of East Providence. City Solicitor Michael Marcello noted that this raise does not affect the current sitting city council.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
2. An ordinance establishing the annual salary of the Mayor. The annual salary of the Mayor shall be $120,000. The Mayor is entitled to all other ancillary benefits of employment enjoyed by department heads. With annual cost of living adjustment. Effective January 1, 2027. Introduced by Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Fogarty stated that given the scope of responsibilities required of this office, the increasing demands of city management, and the severe rise in cost of living the position’s pay increase is fair and necessary. This adjustment ensures that the city continues to attract strong leadership and reflects the true value of the position. City Solicitor Michael Marcello also reminded that this salary increase does not affect the current Mayor’s salary.
Motion to Strike II Paragraph – Passed 4 - 0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Motion to Accept Amendment – Passed 4 -0
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | A | |
| Rodericks | X | |
If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 401.435.7596 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
POSTED: 8/15/2025