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PAWTUCKET CITY COUNCIL
PAWTUCKET MUNICIPAL ANNEX, 100 FREIGHT STREET
2nd FLOOR – TEMPORARY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ENTER PARKING LOT AT 75 SABIN STREET
https://clerkshq.com/Pawtucket-ri
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025
A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council was held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 8:39 p.m., in the Temporary City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 100 Freight St., Pawtucket, RI
Present — President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
Absent — Councilor Rubio.
President Mercer presided.
1. The reading of the records of the July 23, 2025 City Council meeting was dispensed with and the records were APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.
2. Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilors Moran and Moreno, the *Consent Agenda was APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
*THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS WERE READ AND ORDERED FILED
A. **Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to Christopher Durand, Chief Executive Officer, RIPTA. (Maintain Full Service on RIPTA (Route 71)
B. **Communication from Tina Goncalves, Chief of Police, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Speed Camera Zone Times)
C. Communication from Jason Pezzullo, Commerce Director, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Appointment of Jennifer Kilsey, as the Planning/Commerce representative on the Arts Panel Review Committee)
D. Communication from Carl J. Johnson, Director, Zoning & Code Enforcement, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Zoning Volunteer Task Force Update July 2025)
E. ** Communication from Ashley Tashian, Tax Collector/Assistant Treasurer, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Write-Offs by the Collections Department for 2014 Taxes)
F. ** Communication from the Honorable Clovis C. Gregor, 5th District City Councilor, to the Honorable Terrence E. Mercer, City Council President (JK Equities/Blackstone Distribution Center Tax Stabilization Agreement)
H. THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY TO BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Myrna George — $208.98 (Tire)
I. THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY TO BE REFERRED TO THE LAW DEPARTMENT AND RI INTERLOCAL TRUST:
Marco Tulio Banegas Flores - $4,500 (Property Damage)
Steven Cabral, by Geico Insurance - $10,638.19 (Vehicle Accident)
Susan Henderson, by Inman & Tourgee, Attorneys at Law- $100,000 (Trip and Fall)
J. ** Communication from Kelley Morris Salvatore, Esq., attorney for JK Equities, LLC, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Update to the Development of 1 Moshassuck Street)
** TAKEN OFF CONSENT AGENDA FOR COMMENTS ONLY, NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN.
G. Communication from Carl J. Johnson, Director, Zoning & Code Enforcement, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Response — Building Permit Status for 1 Moshassuck Street) WAS READ AND ORDERED FILED.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR GREGOR
3. With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Gregor, seconded by Councilor Araujo, was PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk was instructed to send a communication to Carl Johnson, Zoning Director, requesting a copy of all permits taken out by or pending for New England Construction Co. for 1 Moshassuck Street and showing stages of construction that have been signed off on by the zoning director.
Prior to sending the communication to Mr. Johnson, the Clerk was instructed to send it to Councilor Gregor for his review and approval.
4. Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following appointment as a member of the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency, FOR CONFIRMATION:
PAWTUCKET REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Mark T. McLaughlin, 110 Gates Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861
Term Expires September 11, 2030
WAS READ AND ORDERED FILED.
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, for confirmation, was CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES -— President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES - 0.
PAWTUCKET REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Mark T. McLaughlin, 110 Gates Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term Expires September 11, 2030.
5. COUNCIL PRESIDENT MERCER APPOINTED COUNCILOR ROBERTO H. MORENO TO SERVE ON THE ARTS PANEL REVIEW COMMITTEE. Term Expires June 1, 2028.
COUNCILOR ARAUJO LEFT THE CHAMBERS AT 9:07 PM.
THE FOLLOWING REAPPOINTMENT BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MERCER TO THE ARTS PANEL REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS CONFIRMED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
Tammie Worthington-Witczak 145 Sheffield Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02860
Term Expires June 1, 2028.
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain
NOES — 0.
Tammie Worthington-Witczak, 145 Sheffield Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
Term Expires June 1, 2028.
COUNCILOR ARAUJO RETURNED AT 9:08 PM.
6. Communication from Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment by Council President Mercer as a member of the Riverfront Commission, pending confirmation by Mayor Donald R. Grebien:
RIVERFRONT COMMISSION
John J. Barry, III 118 Division Street Pawtucket, RI 02860
Term Expires 1st Monday in June, 2028
WAS READ AND ORDERED FILED.
The following nomination submitted by Council President Mercer, pending confirmation by Mayor Grebien, was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
RIVERFRONT COMMISSION
John J. Barry, Ill, 118 Division Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term Expires 1st Monday in June, 2028
7. Communication from Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment by Council President Mercer as a member of the Riverfront Commission, pending confirmation by Mayor Donald R. Grebien:
RIVERFRONT COMMISSION
Miriam Plitt 44 Cooke Street Pawtucket, RI 02860
Term Expires 1st Monday in June, 2028,
WAS READ AND ORDERED FILED.
The following nomination submitted by Council President Mercer, pending confirmation by Mayor Grebien, was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
RIVERFRONT COMMISSION
Miriam Plitt, 44 Cooke Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term Expires 1st Monday in June, 2028.
8. Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Coderre, the following resolution was POSTPONED, on a unanimous voice vote:
RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING DR. ROBERT BILLINGTON ON _ HIS RETIREMENT AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL RECESSED AT 9:18 PM
THE COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 9:22 PM
THE COUNCIL TOOK UP THE FOLLOWING:
9. RESOLUTION URGING RIPTA TO RETAIN ROUTE 71 IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET THAT SERVICES THE PAWTUCKET -— CENTRAL FALLS COMMUTER RAIL STATION.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR MORAN
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilors Araujo, Coderre and Gregor, the following amendment to the above resolution was taken up:
Amend the following:
(3rd WHEREAS) one-of the routes proposed to be cut, among many concerning proposals to alter or eliminate Pawtucket routes is the proposal to cut RIPTA Route 71 (Broad Street/Pawtucket Avenue), including weekend service which includes travel to Ocean State Job Lot shopping plaza and many important and convenient stops for Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland and Providence riders. Those include, as well, the Pawtucket — Central Falls Commuter Rail Station, a key part of northern Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure. Moreover, the proposed reductions or eliminations include Route 73, which serves the St. Germain elderly housing complex on Mineral Spring Avenue; Route 75, which provides Pawtucket residents with a link to Lincoln Mall, CCRI, and many employment opportunities; in Route 76, which provides the only option to Stop & Shop on Cottage Street and Route 80, which serves Slater Park.
(5th WHEREAS) it is true for all Pawtucket lines, but most glaringly, the elimination of this segment of Route 71 would run contrary to RIPTA’s 2024 Existing Conditions report, which recommended prioritizing routes to and from urban transit hubs, including Pawtucket - Central Falls Commuter Rail Station.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE PAWTUCKET CITY COUNCIL, AT THE REQUEST OF ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR DONALD R. GREBIEN, RECOGNIZES THE POTENTIAL UNDENIABLE HARM THE PROPOSED CUTS WILL HAVE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, PARTICULARLY THE SERVICE DISRUPTION TO THE PAWTUCKET - CENTRAL FALLS COMMUTER RAIL STATION, DOES HEREBY OPPOSE THE PAWTUCKET BUS SERVICE CUTS OF ROUTE-71 BEING PROPOSED BY RIPTA TO ALLEVIATE THEIR FISCAL YEAR 2025 DEFICIT.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilors Araujo, Coderre and Gregor, the following AMENDMENT was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak
and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
Amend the following:
(3rd WHEREAS) one-of the routes proposed to be cut, among many concerning proposals to alter or eliminate Pawtucket routes is the proposal to cut RIPTA Route 71 (Broad Street/Pawtucket Avenue), including weekend service which includes travel to Ocean State Job Lot shopping plaza and many important and convenient stops for Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland and Providence riders. Those include, as well, the Pawtucket — Central Falls Commuter Rail Station, a key part of northern Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure. Moreover, the proposed reductions or eliminations include Route 73, which serves the St. Germain elderly housing complex on Mineral Spring Avenue; Route 75, which provides Pawtucket residents with a link to Lincoln Mall, CCRI, and many employment opportunities; in Route 76, which provides the only option to Stop & Shop on Cottage Street and Route 80, which serves Slater Park.
(5th WHEREAS) it is true for all Pawtucket lines, but most glaringly, the elimination of this segment of Route 71 would run contrary to RIPTA’s 2024 Existing Conditions report, which recommended prioritizing routes to and from urban transit hubs, including Pawtucket - Central Falls Commuter Rail Station.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE PAWTUCKET CITY COUNCIL, AT THE REQUEST OF ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR DONALD R. GREBIEN, RECOGNIZES THE POTENTIAL UNDENIABLE HARM THE PROPOSED CUTS WILL HAVE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, PARTICULARLY THE SERVICE DISRUPTION TO THE PAWTUCKET - CENTRAL FALLS COMMUTER RAIL STATION, DOES HEREBY OPPOSE THE PAWTUCKET BUS SERVICE CUTS OF ROUTE-71 BEING PROPOSED BY RIPTA TO ALLEVIATE THEIR FISCAL YEAR 2025 DEFICIT.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ, AS AMENDED, AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
RESOLUTION URGING RIPTA TO RETAIN ROUTE 71 IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET THAT SERVICES THE PAWTUCKET -— CENTRAL FALLS COMMUTER RAIL STATION, AS AMENDED
10. The following resolution was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING AUGUST 18, 2025 TO BE “MACKINAC REMEMBRANCE DAY 2025”
11. UPON RECOMMENDATION FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS READ FOR THE FIRST TIME AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak
and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTERS 26 AND 40, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, REGARDING MUNICIPAL COURT AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TECHNOLOGY SURCHARGE FUND.
12. UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS, THE MOTION TO DENY AND REFER TO C. BRITO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY WAS APPROVED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES -— President Mercer, Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Stachowiak and Wildenhain
NOES - 0.
Shandra Ferreira — $268.81 (Tire)
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Coderre, the meeting was adjourned at 9:31 PM.