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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

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 Video

            Roll Call

 

Fogarty   X   Lawson   A   Rego    X   Sousa   X    Rodericks   X

 

II.                EXECUTIVE SESSION  - None

 

III.             SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

IV.             PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

           

V.                CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote

 

A.    COUNCIL JOURNALS:

1.      Regular meeting minutes August 11, 2026 Video

Motion to amend minutes – Ordinance E2 was tabled

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Seconded

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

            Motion to approve minutes as amended

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

B.     Previously Approved Permits/License (Read In) Video

 

1.      Block Party

Applicant: John Fuzek, Rhode Island Folk Fest

Applicant Location: Crescent Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave

Date & Time of Function: August 30, 2026, 12:00pm-6:00pm

Street to be closed: None

 

2.      Block Party

Applicant: Corey Wright

Applicant Location: 201 Mercer St

Date & Time of Function: August 16, 2026, 8:00am-9:00pm

Street to be closed: 201 Mercer Street

 

VI.             LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote Video

 

A.    NON-PUBLIC HEARING

 

1.      Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage
Applicant: Natalie Karneeb
Location: 187 N. Brow St.
Date & Time of Function: Sept. 6, 2026, 3:00pm-7:00pm
Type of Event: Food Truck and Ice Cream Social

 

2.      Class F1 Application for Special Event – Alcoholic Beverage

Applicant: Michael McAteer
Location: Crescent Park, 701 Bullocks Point Ave.

Date & Time of Function: Sept. 5, 2026, 12:00pm-8:00pm

Type of Event: Indie Fest 2026

 

3.      Class F Application for Special Event – Beer and Wine

Applicant: Jahdae Thomas

Location: Providence Country Day School, 660 Waterman Ave.

Date & Time of Function: Oct. 16, 2026, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Type of Event: Alumni Beer Garden

4.      Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Kayla Dailey

Business Name: Lemon Lane LLC d/b/a Lemon Lane

Business Address: 82 Benefit Street, Coventry, RI

 

5.      Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Marc Sorel

Business Name: Hippie Dog Inc. D/b/a Hippie Dog

Business Address: 1246 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence

 

6.      Application for Victualing License – Class 1 (51 or more)

Applicant: Michael Arena

Business Name: Broadway Diner Inc.

Business Address: 446 N. Broadway

 

7.      Mobile Food Establishment License/Permit

Applicant: Leigh Cordeiro

Business Name: Cordeiro Confections LLC d/b/a Tag Team Treats

Business Address: 121 Prescott Ave. East Providence

 

8.      One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: Tracy Johnson, Great Townie Pumpkin Festival

Applicant Location: Crescent Park

Date and Time of Function: Oct. 3, 2026, 11:00am-4:00pm

Type of Entertainment: DJ/Band

 

9.      One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: Tracy Johnson, Food and Wine Pairing

Applicant Location: Crescent Park

Date and Time of Function: Sept. 24, 2026, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Type of Entertainment: Acoustic Performer

 

10.  Class F Application for Special Event – Beer and Wine

Applicant: Tracy Johnson

Location: Providence Crescent Park

Date & Time of Function: Sept. 24, 2026, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Type of Event: Food & Wine Pairing

 

11.  One Day Entertainment License

Applicant: Tracy Johnson, Stubbs Wedding 

Applicant Location: Crescent Park

Date and Time of Function: Sept. 19, 2026, 4:00pn-9:30pm

Type of Entertainment: DJ

 

12.  Class F Application for Special Event – Beer and Wine

Applicant: Tracy Johnson, Stubbs Wedding

Location: Providence Crescent Park

Date & Time of Function: Sept. 19, 2026, 4:00pn-9:30pm

Type of Event: Wedding

 

13.  Block Party

Applicant: Paul Mendence III

Applicant Location: Crescent Park, Bay Side

Date & Time of Function: September 5, 2026, 12:00pm-7:00pm

Street to be closed: None

 

B.     MOTION TO BUNDLE NON-PUBLIC HEARING  LICENSES

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Seconded

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

C.    MOTION TO APPROVE NON-PUBLIC HEARING LICENSES

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Motino

 

Sousa

Seconded

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

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.

 

VIII.       PUBLIC COMMENT Video

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.      Anna Rego – Experienced a sewer back up on her street and after several months of being out of her home she is still fighting with the city’s insurance company to get her personal belongings back. City Solicitor informed the Council that currently Ms. Rego has a suit against the city so they cannot speak on this issue with a pending case is involved.  

 

IX.             APPOINTMENTS  - None

 

X.                COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

1.      Building permit process for non-structural work; window replacement, permit fees, etc. Video

Discussion Only - Council President Rodericks

                       

XI.             PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for second and/or final passage for discussion and possible vote Video

 

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: Sec. 18-307. The purpose of this Ordinance to place a no parking sign on both sides of Dover Avenue from Warren Avenue south to Baldwin Street

Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty

 

No comment from the public

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Motion

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Seconded

 

Sousa

X

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

 

XII.          CONTINUED BUSINESS  - None

 

XIII.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.    MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS – Director of Policy & Constituent Services, Andre Herrera

                           

1.      Appointment/Reappointment requiring Council Confirmation

·         None

2.      Appointment/Reappointment not requiring Council Confirmation Video

·         Appointment of Hope Moran to the Mayor’s Young Innovators Advisory Committee for a (1) year term effective 8/3/2026 – 8/2/2027.

3.      Items for announcement/discussion Video

4.      Principal Planner III, Dominic Leonardo to give presentation on ongoing ARPA and City Capital projects.

Dominic Leonardo, Planner III, presented the Council with the presentation. ARPA projects finishing this year: Community Center, Crescent Park, Placemaking, Utility Art Box, Clenlyon Park, Lyle Bourne Park, John L. Lewis Park, Pierce Field, Sabin Point. Completed ARPA Projects: Bold Point Park, Kent Park, riverside Rec, Willet Pond Lot, Willett Pond, Providence Avenue, Vintner Avenue, Waste Water Treatment, City Hall, Police Station, Animal Control. Active Items: Information Technology, Planning, Library, Engineering, Highway, Refuse Recycle, Public Buildings, Police, Fire, Recreation, Pierce Field, Carousel all on track and on budget.

 

5.      Proclamation honoring Minimum Housing Code Enforcement Inspector, Eugene Saveory upon his retirement after 32 years of dedicated Service to the City of East Providence.

6.      Proclamation recognizing September as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in the City of East Providence.

7.      Proclamation recognizing September 7 as Brazilian Independence Day in the City of East Providence.

8.      Proclamation recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of East Providence.

9.      Proclamation recognizing September as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of East Providence.

10.  Proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month in the City of East Providence.

B.     REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS - None

 

C.    REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON – Councilman Lawson

 

D.    RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote

 

1.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Sperry Fabric Architecture for the purchase of a 48’x98’ Savannah Structure Tent at Crescent Park Video

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Motion

 

Sousa

Seconded

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

2.      Resolution in support of the re-introduction and passage of the Natural Forest Protection Act Video

Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Seconded

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

3.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Won-Door Corporation to increase school safety at East Providence High School Video

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego & Councilman Fogarty

 

Motion to amend eliminating the word contract

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

Motion to approve as amended

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Seconded

 

Sousa

Moton

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

4.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Synet to increase school safety at East Providence High School Video

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego & Councilman Fogarty

 

Motion to amend eliminating the word contract

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

Motion to approve as amended

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

5.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Challenge Electronics, Inc. to increase school safety at East Providence High School Video

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego & Councilman Fogarty

 

Motion to amend eliminating the word contract

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

Motion to approve as amended

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

6.      Resolution authorizing the granting of an easement to the Narragansett Electric Company related to Crescent Park improvements Video

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

7.      Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute all necessary documents related to the Washington Bridge Project concerning a temporary construction easement and the condemnation of land for the Washington Bridge Video

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

8.      Resolution requesting that the East Providence City Council name the traffic island on Pawtucket Avenue and Centre Avenue the James B. Lappin, Sr. Island Video

Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

Motion to amend resolution changing Centre Ave to Centre St.

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Motion

 

Sousa

Seconded

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

Motion to approve as amended

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Motion

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Seconded

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

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” Video

Summary: To make Bourne Avenue (westbound) from Brayton Avenue to Frederick Street a one-way street during the hours of 8:00am to 9:00am and 2:00pm to 3:30pm on school days
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

X

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Motion

 

Sousa

Seconded

 

Rodericks

X

 

    

2.      An ordinance in amendment of chapter 18 of the revised ordinance of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles And Traffic” Video

Summary: To place a stop sign at Rhodes Avenue (northbound and southbound traffic), at Burnside Avenue

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

3.      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” Amending Section 18-308 entitled “Parking time limitations – 15 minutes” Video

Summary: Sec. 18-308. The purpose of this Ordinance to place a 15-minute parking sign at Warren Avenue (south side) from a point 105 feet west of South Hull Street westerly 20 feet.

Sponsor: Council President Rodericks

 

Motion to table until September 15, 2026.  Councilwoman Sousa has spoken to the owner, and a new appropriate time has been agreed upon.

 

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

X

 

Sousa

Motion

 

Rodericks

X

 

 

XIV.        ADJOURNMENT Video

                   Motion to adjourn was made at 7:42pm

Member

Aye

Nay

Fogarty

Seconded

 

Lawson

A

 

Rego

Motion

 

Sousa

X

 

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:

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