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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

JULY 15, 2025

CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.

145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

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 X Rodericks X

II. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS – NONE

V. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:

1. Regular meeting minutes 6/24/2025

2. Executive session meeting minutes 6/24/2025

B. TAX ABATEMENTS: Cancelation/Abatements

YEAR	AMOUNT




2025 Tax Roll	$10,634.16
TOTAL	$10,634.16

C. LETTERS

1. New address_ 39 Winsor St., E. Providence, RI, Map 207, Block 03, Parcel 010.00

D. READ IN

1. Special Events one day Entertainment License

Applicant: Armando Medeiros

Business Name: Teofilo Braga Club (Bands, DJ & Live Music)

Address of Event: 26 Teofilo Braga Way

Date & Time: 7/11/2025 – 7/13/2025; 7pm – 12am

2. Special Event Alcoholic License Class F

Applicant: Armando Medeiros

Business Name: Teofilo Braga Club

Address of Event: 26 Teofilo Braga Way

Date & Time: 7/11/2025 – 7/13/2025; 7pm – 12am

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	Seconded
Rodericks	A

VI. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote

A. MOTION TO BUNDLE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES C1-C11

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	Seconded
Rodericks	A

B. MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES C1-C11

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Seconded
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING

1. Special Event – Alcohol License Class F

Applicant: Alba Curti

Business Name: East Providence Heritage Arts Inc.

Address of Event: Pierce Memorial Stadium

Date & Time: 8/2/2025; 2pm – 10pm

2. One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: Alba Curti

Business Name: East Providence Heritage Arts Inc.

Address of Event: Pierce Memorial Stadium

Date & Time: 8/2/2025; 2pm – 10pm

3. Special Event Alcoholic License Class F

Applicant: Cameron Rancourt

Business Name: Rhodes Races & Events Inc.

Address of Event: Bold Point Park

Date & Time: 5/3/26; 7am – 2pm

4. Special Events One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: Joseph A. Braga

Business Name: Holy Ghost Brotherhood Mariense (Bands, DJ & Live Music)

Address of Event: 846 Broadway, East Providence

Date & Time: 7/25/2025 – 7/27/2025; 7pm – 12am

5. Special Events One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: Lucy Fontaine

Business Name: Lodge 2337 BPO Elks

Address of Event: 60 Berkeley Street

Date & Time: 8/1/2025 - 8/2/2025; 5pm – 11pm

6. Special Event Alcoholic License Class F1

Applicant: Joseph A. Braga

Business Name: Holy Ghost Brotherhood Mariense

Address of Event: 846 Broadway, East Providence

Date & Time: 7/25/2025-7/27/2025; 7pm – 12am

7. Road Race

Applicant: Cameron Rancourt

Business Name: Rhode Races & Events Inc.

Address of Event: Bold Point Park

Date & time: 5/3/2026; 7:30am – 1:30pm

8. Road Race

Applicant: Reilly Johnston

Business Name: Backyard 5K

Address of Event: East Bay Bike Path

Date & time: 8/9/25; 5:30pm – 8:30pm

9. New Victualing License

Applicant: Michael Durrett

Business Name: Big Mikes Smokehouse LLC

Address: 35 Warren Avenue, East Providence

10. Sunday & Holidays

Applicant: Michael Durrett

Business Name: Big Mikes Smokehouse LLC

Address: 35 Warren Avenue, East Providence

11. Special Events One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: John Fuzek

Business Name: Rhode Island Folk Festival

Address of Event: 700 Bullocks Point Avenue

Date & time: 8/24/2025; 8am – 8pm

D. PUBLIC HEARING

1. Type of License: Class B Liquor License - Transfer

Applicant: Timothy Cabral

Business Name: Good Venture Holding Inc. to TRC Restaurant Corp. dba Midici Italian Kitchen

Location: 75 Highland Avenue, East Providence

Councilwoman Sousa handled the commentary of this item. Timothy Cabral Baker Rd, Swansea, MA basic transfer of management of Midici no changes to staff or renovation.

Nancy Hale – great restaurant, great food and wonderful place to go.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Seconded
Lawson	Motion
Rego	Recused
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

Motion Passes 3-0 with Council Vice President recusing himself.

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.

1. Nicole Grant – Proposed legalize backyard hens

2. Shawna Swift – Opposition – development plan for Oldham School

VIII. 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.

The council heard from the following people in approval of legalizing chickens/hens in East Providence: Nicole Grant, Lorna Steele, Ruarri Miller, Jimmy Dufurrena, Melodie Pimental, Dave Luiz, Allison Turbitt, Susie Finnerty

The council also heard from the following residents who disapprove of legalizing chickens/hens in East Providence: Kathy Holahan, Renee Ignacio,

Nancy Hale – Oldham School- 96 affordable housing, Veteran housing,

IX. APPOINTMENTS - None

X. COUNCIL MEMBERS

1. Request to move $7,716.90 funds from the Live Nation Recreation Fund to the Carousel account to cover the cost of the Food and Wine pairing event – Councilman Lawson – DUPLICATE IN RESOLUTION #3

2. Request for update from the administration on the following outstanding projects

§ Sabin Point stormwater project funded by the Volkswagen settlement

Project design is nearly complete. Working with neighbors that will require the city to take land/easement for improvements to happen. Awaiting their response.

§ Sabin Point Kayak Launch

Kayak launch is being repaired and strengthened to withstand wave action. No timeline available at this time.

§ Providence Ave Splash Pad

§ Update on the next step in getting the former Oldham building open as a community center, what is the cost for HVAC, interior restoration and remediation of mold and asbestos?

§ Request for update on the Crescent Park upgrades

§ Gazebo, parking lot, and tree removal for Willett Pond. Councilman Lawson

Project work has started on Bourne Park. The contractor is aiming for the first course of asphalt this week at Bourne Park; the city will attempt to remove the tree with assistance from EPFD. In process of getting three prices for private tree removal services.

3. Update Glenlyon Park and Lyle Bourne Park improvements - Council Vice

President Rego. Project has started on Bourne Park; Contractor is aiming for first coarse of asphalt this week.

4. Update on businesses along Newport Avenue - Council Vice President Rego

XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and final passage - For discussion and possible vote

1. 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

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

Motion to update all unallocated funds. To be advertised for August 19, 2025, council meeting

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Seconded
Rego	X
Sousa	Motion
Rodericks	A

2. An ordinance adopting the 2025-2035 East Providence Comprehensive Plan

Motion to table August 19, 2025, council meeting

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Seconded
Rego	X
Sousa	Motion
Rodericks	A

3. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the City of Eat Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”

Summary: Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269. The purpose of this ordinance is to place a stop sign at Irving Avenue (northbound and southbound traffic) at Blanche Avenue and Irving Avenue (northbound and southbound traffic) at What Cheer Avenue. Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Motion
Lawson	Seconded
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

4. An ordinance in amendment of Section 18-308 entitled “Parking Time Limitations – 15 Minutes” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking” of Chapter 18 by adding thereto the following: Bullocks Point Avenue (East Side), from 190 feet north of Fenner Avenue northerly for 40 feet.

Summary: Sec 18-308. The purpose of this ordinance is to place a 15-minute parking sign on Bullocks Point Avenue (east side) from 190 feet north of Fenner Avenue northerly for 40ft. Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	Seconded
Rodericks	A

Ruarri Miller is in favor of having in front of all buildings

XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS - None

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS – Chief of Staff Patricia Resende

1. Items for announcement/discussion

a. 2025 Never Give up Day – August 18, 2025

b. 2025 Indian Independence Day – August 15, 2025

c. 2025 Gastroparesis Awareness Month – Month of August

B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS – City Solicitor Michael Marcello

None

C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson

None

D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

1. Resolution authorizing the award of a contract for HVAC/mechanical work for the East Providence Community Center in the amount of $999,200

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Motion
Lawson	Seconded
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

2. Resolution authorizing the award of a contract for electrical work for the East Providence Community Center in the amount of $938,130

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Seconded
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	Seconded
Rodericks	A

3. Resolution requesting the expenditure of funds ($7,716.90) from the Live Nation Recreation Fund for the Food and Wine Pairing Event at Crescent Park

Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	X
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	Seconded
Rodericks	A

A request to table until August 19, 2025 council meeting for more information.

E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote

1. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 3 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Animals”. Summary: Sec. 3-4 Residential chicken hens permit. Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

Motion failed 2-2

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Seconded
Lawson		X
Rego		X
Sousa	Motion
Rodericks	A

2. 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. Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Motion
Lawson	Seconded
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

3. 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: Section 2-298, allocation of speed and red-light camera funds towards the school building fund. Sponsor: Councilman Lawson

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty		X
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	Seconded
Rodericks	A

4. 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: Section 5-57 Solicitation at Fire Scenes – Prohibited Conduct Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

Motion to add “or be within 1000 feet of where the fire occurred”

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Motion
Lawson	Seconded
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

Motion to approve as amended.

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Seconded
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

Member	Aye	Nay
Fogarty	Seconded
Lawson	Motion
Rego	X
Sousa	X
Rodericks	A

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.

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