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PAWTUCKET CITY COUNCIL
100 FREIGHT STREET BUILDING
2nd FLOOR – TEMPORARY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ENTER PARKING LOT AT 75 SABIN STREET, PAWTUCKET, RI
https://clerkshq.com/Pawtucket-ri
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025
7:00 PM
A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council was held Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:17 p.m., in the Temporary City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 100 Freight St., Pawtucket, RI.
Present – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
Absent – 0.
President Mercer presided.
THE COUNCIL RECESSED AT 7:17 PM TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING: 
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024 PAWTUCKET – CENTRAL FALLS MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
THE PUBLIC HEARING ADJOURNED AT 7:23 PM.
THE COUNCIL RECESSED AT 7:23 PM TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING:
THE MUNICIPAL ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET 2025-2026
THE PUBLIC HEARING ADJOURNED AT 7:40 PM.
THE COUNCIL RECESSED AT 7:40 PM TO CONDUCT A JOINT MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. </a
THE COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 8:38 P.M.
1. The reading of the records of the May 7, 2025 Finance Committee meeting, Committee on Claims and Pending Suits meeting, and 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 Councilor Moreno, the *Consent Agenda was APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
*THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS WERE READ AND ORDERED FILED
A. 028 Resolution from the Town of New Shoreham Opposing A Statewide Non-Owner-Occupied Property Tax
B. 028 Resolutions from the Town of Exeter, Town of Warren and the Town of Hopkinton Regarding Funding of Student Transportation
C. 028 Resolution from the Town of Barrington In Support of Senate Bill S-57 & House Bill H-5393 Regarding Maintenance of Sidewalks
D. 028 Resolution from the Town of Barrington in Support of the 2025 Composting & Organic Waste Diversion Act (H-5195/S0104)
E. 028 Proclamation from the Town of Barrington Declaring the Week of May 18, 2025 to May 24, 2025 as “National Public Works Week”
F. 028 Resolution from the Hopkinton Town Council Opposing Specific Land Use Legislation Proposed in the Rhode Island General Assembly
G. 028 Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton Opposing Senate Bill S-0851 Relating to State Affairs & Government-Tourism & Development
H. 028 Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton in Support of House Bill H-5201 – Relating to Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act as Outlined in RIGL §16-7.2-6
I. 028 Resolution from the Town of Hopkinton Opposing House Bill H-5887, Legislation Relating to Holidays and Days of Special Observance – Victory Day
J. 028 Resolution from the Town of Warren Requesting an Amendment to RIGL Title 39, Chapter 2 Regarding the Duties of Public Utilities
K. 061 Communication from Jeannine S. Bourski, Acting Finance Director, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Statement of Estimated, Realized and Unrealized Revenues for the fiscal period July 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025)
L. 061 Communication from Jeannine S. Bourski, Acting Finance Director, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Statement of Estimated, Realized and Unrealized Revenues for the fiscal period July 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025)
M. 028 Communication from Denise Panichas, Executive Director, Samaritans of Rhode Island to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council (Municipal Donation)
N. THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY TO BE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Denise Woodard/Safeco Insurance Company of America by Wilber Co. – $2,338.80 (Police Collision)
3. THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, RETURNED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WITHOUT A RECOMMENDATION, WAS TAKEN UP:
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET 2025-2026
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Moran, the following amendment was introduced:
AMENDMENTS TO EXPENSES
DECREASE IN SALARIES TOTAL $200,000
Uniform Police Overtime $100,000
Uniform Fire Overtime $100,000
DECREASE IN OPERATING EXPENSES TOTAL $193,076
Personnel Outside Vendors $ 6,076
Information Tech Hardware Maint. $100,000
Planning Consultant $ 50,000
Highway Outside Vendors $ 25,000
Street Cleaning Outside Vendors $ 12,000
DECREASE IN FIXED CHARGES TOTAL $2,140,297
School Contribution $2,140,297
TOTAL DECREASE IN EXPENDITURES: $ 2,533,373
TOTAL CHANGE IN EXPENSES (DECREASE) $2,533,373
AMENDMENTS TO REVENUES
DECREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES TOTAL $2,623,305
Current Real Estate 2026 $2,623,305
TOTAL DECREASE IN REVENUES $2,623,305
INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES TOTAL $ 89,932
Current Tangible 2026 $ 89,932
TOTAL INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES $ 89,932
TOTAL CHANGE IN REVENUES (DECREASE) $2,533,373
The amended rate of $12.83 against the prior year rate of $12.34 represents a $.49 increase on residential taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.33 decrease on residential taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $22.45 against the prior year rate of $21.60 represents a $.85 increase on commercial taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.58 decrease on commercial taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $14.11 against the prior year rate of $12.34 represents a $1.77 increase on non-owner taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.37 decrease on non- owner taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $52.09 against the prior year rate of $52.09 represents a $0 increase on tangible personal property. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $0 increase on tangible personal property taxes on the proposed budget.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
The motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Moran, to approve the ABOVE AMENDMENT to the ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026 was DEFEATED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – Councilor Wildenhain.
NOES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, and Stachowiak.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Araujo, the following amendment was introduced:
AMENDMENTS TO EXPENSES
DECREASE IN FIXED CHARGES TOTAL $ 500,000
School Contribution $ 500,000
TOTAL DECREASE IN EXPENDITURES: $ 500,000
TOTAL CHANGE IN EXPENSES (DECREASE) $ 500,000
AMENDMENTS TO REVENUES
DECREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES TOTAL $ 589,932
Current Real Estate 2026 $ 589,932
TOTAL DECREASE IN REVENUES $ 589,932
INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES TOTAL $ 89,932
Current Tangible 2026 $ 89,932
TOTAL INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES $ 89,932
TOTAL CHANGE IN REVENUES (DECREASE) $ 500,000
The amended rate of $13.08 against the prior year rate of $12.34 represents a $.74 increase on residential taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.08 decrease on residential taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $22.89 against the prior year rate of $21.60 represents a $1.29 increase on commercial taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.14 decrease on commercial taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $14.39 against the prior year rate of $12.34 represents a $2.05 increase on non-owner taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.09 decrease on non- owner taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $52.09 against the prior year rate of $52.09 represents a $0 increase on tangible personal property. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $0 increase on tangible personal property taxes on the proposed budget.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Araujo, the ABOVE AMENDMENT to the ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026 was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Moran, Moreno, and Wildenhain.
NOES – Councilors Gregor, Rubio, and Stachowiak.
PURSUANT TO RIGL §44-5-2 (e), WHICH REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS (4/5) MAJORITY VOTE FOR A BUDGET WITH AN INCREASE OVER 4% OF THE TAX LEVY, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS DEFEATED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Moran, Moreno, and Wildenhain.
NOES – Councilors Gregor, Rubio, and Stachowiak.
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE, 2025-2026, AS AMENDED.
DUE TO THE DEFEAT OF THE “ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026, AS AMENDED” THE COUNCIL RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR RUBIO.
Upon motion made by Councilor Rubio, seconded by Councilor Stachowiak, the following amendment was introduced:
AMENDMENTS TO EXPENSES
DECREASE IN FIXED CHARGES TOTAL $ 500,000
School Contribution $ 500,000
TOTAL DECREASE IN EXPENDITURES: $ 500,000
*INCREASE IN OTHER FINANCING USES TOTAL $ 500,000
Other Financing Uses $ 500,000
TOTAL CHANGE IN EXPENSES (DECREASE) $ 0
AMENDMENTS TO REVENUES
DECREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES TOTAL $ 89,932
Current Real Estate 2026 $ 89,932
TOTAL DECREASE IN REVENUES $ 89,932
INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES TOTAL $ 89,932
Current Tangible 2026 $ 89,932
TOTAL INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES $ 89,932
TOTAL CHANGE IN REVENUES (DECREASE) $ 0
The amended rate of $13.15 against the prior year rate of $12.34 represents a $.81 increase on residential taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.01 decrease on residential taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $23.01 against the prior year rate of $21.60 represents a $1.41 increase on commercial taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.02 decrease on commercial taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $14.47 against the prior year rate of $12.34 represents a $2.13 increase on non-owner taxes. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $.01 decrease on non- owner taxes to the proposed budget.
The amended rate of $52.09 against the prior year rate of $52.09 represents a $0 increase on tangible personal property. Therefore, the above amendments represent a $0 increase on tangible personal property taxes on the proposed budget.
*The $500,000 grant under “Other Financing Uses” is contingent upon the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the School Department noting that the grant money would not be part of maintenance of effort (MOE) and quarterly reporting to the City Council regarding how the funds were spent.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZED COUNCILOR RUBIO.
Upon motion made by Councilor Rubio, seconded by Councilor Stachowiak, the ABOVE AMENDMENT to the ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026 was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – Councilor Gregor.
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS READ FOR THE FIRST TIME, AS AMENDED, AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – Councilor Gregor.
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026, AS AMENDED.
4. THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, RETURNED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WITHOUT A RECOMMENDATION, WAS READ FOR THE FIRST TIME AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
CAPITAL BUDGET ORDINANCE 2025-2026
COUNCILOR RUBIO LEAVES THE CHAMBERS AT 10:30 PM.
5. 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.
588 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024 PAWTUCKET – CENTRAL FALLS MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
6. 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 Water Supply Board, FOR CONFIRMATION:
PAWTUCKET WATER SUPPLY BOARD
589 Robert E. Benson, 35 Lloyd Phillips Ct., Pawtucket, RI 02861.
Term expires the 1st Monday in January 2029, to fill the unexpired term of Thomas E. Hodge,
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 WATER SUPPLY BOARD
Robert E. Benson, 35 Lloyd Phillips Ct., Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the 1st Monday in January 2029.
COUNCILOR RUBIO RETURNS AT 10:33 PM.
7. Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment as a member of the Historic District Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
589 Jason C. Bacon, P. E., 143 Parkside Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02861.
Term expires the 1st Monday in February 2028
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, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Jason C. Bacon, P. E., 143 Parkside Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the 1st Monday in February 2028
8. The following resolution was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
588 RESOLUTION CHANGING THE DATE OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025, TO WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025, TO COMPLETE THE BUDGET PROCESS IN A TIMELY MANNER
9. The following resolution was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
588 RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY TO BE LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET
10. The following resolution was APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
588 RESOLUTION WELCOMING MAYOR GUSTAVO PÉREZ GIRALDO AND SENIOR ADVISOR MARLON CONTRERAS FROM OUR SISTER CITY, ARJONA, COLOMBIA, TO THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET
11. The following ordinance was read for the SECOND time and APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
330 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR LOCAL 1012 IN §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996. (CORRECTION SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES)
12. The following ordinance was read for the SECOND time and APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
330 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR LOCAL 1012 IN §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996 (RECLASSIFICATION – ACCOUNTANT II) SUBSTITUTE A
13. The following ordinance was read for the SECOND time and APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Mercer; Councilors Araujo, Coderre, Gregor, Moran, Moreno, Rubio, Stachowiak and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
330 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR LOCAL 3960 IN §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996 (RECLASSIFICATION – Senior Appraisal Technician/Tangible Property Specialist)
Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by the entire City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:39 PM.