Click 
to view the entire meeting or click any video icon below to jump to that section of the meeting.
CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 2, 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 X 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. Discussion and possible vote on Tentative Agreement with Council 94, AFSCME, Local 3223 EPPMTEA 11/01/24 to 10/31/27
2. Update on negotiations:
1. East Providence Fire Fighters IAFF Local 850
2. International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 569
MOTION TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
MOTION RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | X | |
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. Rumford Little League RI District 2 Champions – Council Vice President Rego presented the players and coaches with certificates of congratulations on behalf of the City Council
V. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular meeting minutes August 19, 2025
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| 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 | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
B. MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Seconded | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING INFO PENDING
1. Special Event – Road Race
Applicant: Gary Menissian
Business Name: Ocean State Multisport
Address: Seekonk High School
Date & Time: 1/1/2026; 6am – 9am
2. Type of Business: Solicitor – Exterior Home Remodeling
Applicant: Scott Kaeller
Owner’s Name: Raymond St. Laurent
Owner’s Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI
3. Type of Business: Solicitor – Exterior Home Remodeling
Applicant: Boden Neale
Owner’s Name: Raymond St. Laurent
Owner’s Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI
4. Type of Business: Solicitor – Exterior Home Remodeling
Applicant: Aiden Searle
Owner’s Name: Raymond St. Laurent
Owner’s Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI
5. Type of Business: Solicitor – Exterior Home Remodeling
Applicant: Brendan O’Brien
Owner’s Name: Raymond St. Laurent
Owner’s Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI
6. Type of Business: Solicitor – Exterior Home Remodeling
Applicant: Randy Dantuono
Owner’s Name: Raymond St. Laurent
Owner’s Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI
7. Type of Business: Solicitor – Exterior Home Remodeling
Applicant: Matthew Maguire
Owner’s Name: Raymond St. Laurent
Owner’s Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI
8. Special Event One- Day Alcoholic License
Applicant: Jahdae Thomas
Name of Event: Alumni Beer Garden
Address of Event: Providence Country Day School
Date & Time: 10/17/2025; 5:30pm – 6:30pm
9. Type of Business New Mobile Food Truck
Applicant: Kevin Palumbo
Business Name: Mumsy’s Ice cream
Primary Location: 684 & 700 Bullocks Point Ave, E. Providence
Owner Address: 6 Grove Avenue, North Providence
READ IN ONLY
1. Block Party Application Food Truck Event
Applicant: Diego Contreras
Location: 701 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: 8/24/25; 12pm – 6pm
2. Block Party Application Food Truck Event
Applicant: Kevin Palumbo
Location: 700 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: 8/24/25; 12pm – 6pm
3. Special Event one-Day Alcoholic License
Applicant: John Fuzek
Location: 701 Bullocks Point Avenue
Date & Time: 8/24/25; 12pm – 6pm
XVII. 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.
1. Nicole Grant - “Discussion and Possible Action on Backyard Hen Ordinance.”
Received signatures of 21 residents in Ward 4, 639 signatures in total of which 296 are registered voters. Stated rats exist without backyard chickens. No roosters allowed and sealed containers for food are a couple options that can be required in the ordinance
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.
1. Gideon, Esther and Page Finnerty (both Esther and Page were read by adult) Gideon stated that many people will have chickens regardless if it is legal or not. Ester had them all her life and Page said they provided eggs and other food as well as emotional support for her.
IX. APPOINTMENTS
X. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Request for update from administration on Willett Pond upgrades. Councilman Lawson Administration waiting on DEM approval
2. Discussion on cameras in public spaces. Councilman Lawson Suggestion to install cameras in public areas to deter vandalism. Full council is in support of this idea. Council President Rodericks to request meeting from administration to discuss.
3. Request for accurate update on when the field behind Riverside Middle School can be used. Councilman Lawson Currently the school is using the field for gym. Once the sod and fully developed the field will be open fully. Currently all school games are being played at Pierce Field
4. Sabin Point Cleanup. Councilman Lawson – Councilman Lawson expressed the 30+ residents who came to help “Save the Bay” clean up the area.
5. Cell service at Crescent Park area. Councilman Lawson Councilman Lawson expressed his concerns and complaints from neighborhood residents who does not have consistent cell service and not able to call 911 in case of emergency; Fire Department has issues with their radios on calls. Requested if the administration or Planning do some research as to the problem in that area.
6. Update on Solar project at police station. Councilwoman Sousa Administration stated they are working on it and hope for resolution by end of week
7. Update on Peirce field walking track, Martello Park picnic tables, Hull Street Park upgrades. Councilwoman Sousa
8. Update and recommend from consultant on pedestrian crossings and lights throughout the city. Councilwoman Sousa Administration stated a consultant has been hired. Implementation using Federal Smart Program funds in the upcoming year.
9. Request for City Administration to address and support Neighbors on Fort St regarding continued damage to property. Councilwoman Sousa Residents are still complaining of golf balls hitting their property from the MET golf course. Councilwoman Sousa received pictures of damage as recently as of today (9/2/25). Residents are disappointed and feel that no one is listening to their concerns and feel there is no point in complaining anymore. Councilwoman Sousa would like update from administration.
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and final passage
for discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance in amendment of chapter 19 of the Revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “zoning” These changes are being made in order to conform to approved RI General Assembly bills. (see attached)
a. Specifically, the following will be amended, altered, changed or created in Chapter 2 Administration: Division 7, Section 2-172
b. Specifically, the following will be amended, altered, changed, or created in Chapter 19 Zoning:
Article I, Sections 19-1
Article II, Sections 19-5 to 19-74
Article III, Section 19-98
Article IV, Section 19-132 to 19-360.11
Article V, Section 19-361 to 19-364
Article VIII, Section 19-449 to 19-450
Article IX, Section 19-477 to 19-481
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
XII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
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
· 9/11 Ceremony – Time to Be Determined.
· Letter to Council Re: EPPTMA Contract
· Vincent Spremulli Dedication/Unveiling Sept. 6,2025 12-2PM Rain Date Sept. 7, 2025 12-2PM
· July capital and finance expenses – Glenda Dir. Delgado
· 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month
· 2025 Brazilian Independence Day
· 2025 Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
· Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
· Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS –
1. Vote on Tentative Agreement: City Solicitor, Michael Marcello – announced the council approved the Council 94, AFSCME, Local 3223, EPPMTEA 11/1/2024 to 10/31/2027 contract. 4-1 with Councilman Lawson stated he didn’t have enough time to review contract and voted Nay.
2. Request to approve residential handicap parking sign for 95 Ivy Street, East Providence, RI 02914. Dan Borges Director of Public Works Councilwoman Sousa gave summary of the request to the council.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | Motion | |
| Rodericks | X | |
Second, by the Council
C. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson
Councilman Lawson stated that the school committee will be ready to vote on the budget by September 9, 2025
D. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote - NONE
E. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - 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”. is amended by adding thereto the following: Sec. 18-307 No Parking Providence Ave (both sides) from Sunset Avenue north for 50 feet, Providence Ave (east side) from Sunset Avenue south for 50 feet. Introduced by Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | Seconded | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
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” SECTION I. Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269 entitled “Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required” is amended by adding thereto the following: Providence Avenue (northbound traffic) at Sunset Avenue; Providence Avenue (southbound traffic) at Sunset Avenue. Sponsored by Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
3. An ordinance in amendment of chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the City of East, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “vehicles and traffic”. is amended by adding thereto the following: Sec. 18-307 No Parking Lincoln Avenue (north side), from Crescent Ave westerly 175 feet. Sponsored by Council President Rodericks
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | Motion | |
| Lawson | Seconded | |
| Rego | X | |
| Sousa | X | |
| Rodericks | X | |
4. An ordinance in amendment of chapter 2 of the Revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “administration” is amended by adding thereto the following: Article xi. East Providence school bus violation detection monitoring system funds. Sponsored by Councilman Lawson
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | |
| Lawson | Motion | |
| Rego | | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| Rodericks | | |
Councilman Fogarty, Councilwoman Sousa, Council Vice President Rego and Council President agreed that some money from this revenue may be allocated for the school fund but do not agree that all of the monies should be put to that account.
After a roll count the ordinance failed 1-4.
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | | X |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | | X |
| Sousa | | X |
| Rodericks | | X |
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:50pm a motion to adjourn was made and passed unanimously
| Member | Aye | Nay |
| Fogarty | X | |
| Lawson | X | |
| Rego | Motion | |
| Sousa | Seconded | |
| 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: 8/28/25