East Providence City Council 4/21/26

The council. Councilman Fogarty. Yeah.

Councilman Lawson.

Council Vice President Riga. Yeah.

Councilwoman Souza. Here. Council President Rodrigues. Here. Let the record show there is a uh forum present uh quorum present. Uh Councilman Lawson was not feeling well today and called and he could not make the meeting. Uh please rise for the pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

To the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for

Thank you. Uh Madam Clerk, would you start the agenda, please?

Proclamations and presentations. Saint Brendan, Saint Martha's boys basketball team accomplishments. Council President Rodrigues.

So, Councilman Fogarty, who is involved with uh CYO athletics and the Catholic League athletics as well as a lot of athletics.

He does think he's an official. I don't know how good he is on the court, but he has been a good good coach and uh he has been involved in both Martha's and St. Brendan's, which have kind of combined programs. And this season, that combined uh cadets basketball team won the Rhode Island state championship. And then they went on to uh New England tournament and almost made that, but they were uh

runners-up. They did a great job uh all along the the way. So, Councilman, it was a good suggestion of yours, and uh Councilman Fogarty will join with me at the podium, and our clerk will read off the names of the players who were able to make it tonight. Uh we have two citations to give you, young men. Uh citation from the entire city council. Uh we congratulate you on representing not

only your uh basketball team, but the city of East Providence and the state of Rhode Island as state champs. And we have a second proclamation that the mayor has joined in to uh give to you also. So, when we call your name, the clerk will call your name, and if you go up to that podium to your right and receive the proclamation, and then just stand in the front here uh before you sit down. So,

we'll begin, Councilman. Sounds good.

Yeah, I'd like to just say congratulations to uh P.J. Stace P.J. Shay stepped up. Uh we lost a great coach, Bob Faria, along the way last year to uh a sudden accident, and uh P.J. Shay from St. Teresa's stepped up and coached these young men.

And uh it was very well I watched a few of their games, and uh they they played very well with all their heart, and they actually won the state, so that was a very good accomplishment. I want to thank P.J. myself. Um I coached the little third and fourth graders, and soon to be grown with the program.

Uh I went to at least two or three of their games uh with the busy schedule, but uh thank you for doing that, and congratulations guys.

Very well deserved.

Paca Andrews.

Wyatt Andrews.

Benjamin Carlos.

Alex Enright.

Tristan Lawton.

Zachariah Prou.

Jonathan Renard.

That is uh Mr. Rogers' grandson that was playing. Great job.

Definitely played well.

Philip Shay the fourth.

Braden Ryan.

Then I know. Coach P.J. Shay.

P.J.'s going to say some words.

There you go. And then take a picture of them.

Never been afraid of a microphone, so thank you. Uh so, thank you, Councilman Rodericks, Councilman Fogarty, and the rest of the council, and the mayor. Uh thank you for the support. Uh Councilman Rodericks was a frequent fan of many of our games, and a well-behaved one, so I always appreciate that. Um this team uh went through a lot of challenges this year, right? So, they lost a long-time

coach, coach for St. Brendan's and Martha's for well over 25 years. Uh often an opponent of mine uh coaching at St. Teresa's in Pawtucket for over 25 years myself. Uh but when uh our team at St. Teresa's did not have the opportunity to put together a cadet team, a high school team, I reached out to the only coach I'd trust to coach my kid other than me, and that was Bob Faria. So, uh

he welcomed Philip onto the team. Uh the rest of the team welcomed him on. And then uh unfortunately, when Bob got sick and passed just before Thanksgiving, uh I was honored to step up and take his place and support the team and support the program, and ultimately support the Catholic Athletic League basketball throughout the diocese. So, uh it was an honor to step up and try to fill his

shoes at the parish and do the best I could, and uh the team learned a different way of coaching, I think, that they weren't used to, maybe a little harder than they weren't used to at St.

Brendan's and Martha, but they uh they fought through that, and they fought through the competition, uh and battled hard all the way up until the end. Uh and I'd be remiss if I didn't also uh recognize the parish coordinator that held the team together and held me together as well. Uh Reagan uh in the back there. She's going to be mad at me that I'm calling her out, but uh she does a fantastic job with the

program that she has. Uh as one of the league administrators in the diocese, she's also one of the best coordinators we have across the diocese as well. So, she does a fantastic job. She supported me in coming into a new program that I wasn't familiar with, coaching a bunch of kids that I wasn't really familiar with, either. So, uh thank you, Reagan, and for all that you do for the parish

and for the the youth of East Providence in the diocese. So, thank you.

Reagan, why don't you join the team photo, please? And normally, when we have teams in, they're a lot shorter than us, and we stand in the back, but we need to get on the front cuz Councilwoman Souza, myself, we won't be seen. Councilman Rego, either. Fogarty, you can stand.

I want to thank Reagan, too. She did a lot to help me with the third and fourth graders cuz uh uh she stepped up and helped me show me the way to handle the uh parents. So, thank you, Reagan.

Coach.

Nice job. Thank you.

Uh we know it's a vacation week, but you guys probably still have homework that you're studying, so you are free to leave. It's not rude. We don't mind if you all get up and head out. Parents are welcome to stay here with us until midnight, if you'd like.

But thank you all for coming, and congratulations again.

Madam Clerk, could you continue the reading of the agenda, please? Executive Session. The City Council of East Providence may meet in executive session pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5A2.

Claims and litigation.

And sewer abatements.

I think tonight we can do that right here at the dais. Uh Mr. Solicitor.

Thank you. So, the uh first one is the claim for um Sorry, I just lost my a claim for property damage as a result of snow plowing operations, which the director of public works recommends uh approval in the amount of $287.20.

Motion to approve.

Second.

Motion by Councilman Fogarty to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Souza. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you. Next one. The next one are all sewer charge abatements for the amounts listed.

They were all recommended to be approved based upon either water leakage or other They they met the criteria under the ordinance. Um if you want to take them as a group, uh um you can do that as well. It's up to you unless you want me to read them anything. I think they have all been approved by the department head and they are standard according to policy. Uh this was water that did not

get into the sewer system, so it's been standard to grant uh approval unless anyone has a question on any specific one. Is there a motion to grant all together?

Motion to bundle and approve the three sewer abatements.

Motion to uh bundle the three together and approve the abatements. Is there a second? I second that.

Second and a comment by Councilwoman.

Yes. The total is total of the total? Sure. of the abatement.

Madam Clerk, if you want or Solicitor, if you want to just read the uh individual amounts and then The claim of Haythem Chat Chaded in the amount of $2,033.91.

Uh The charge abatement of Christine Johnson in the amount of $754.

Excuse me, $754.54.

And the uh claim of RJD Real Estate in the amount of $459.

Excuse me, $459.09 uh are listed as on the agenda. Again, these are not payments that are made.

These These will be credited against their bill. So, we credit their bills.

And the recommendation was for approval.

We had the motion and the second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you.

Next item.

Number three, show cause hearing. The following business is subject to a hearing for their alleged failure to obtain the appropriate license as indicated.

A, business licenses, Subway, 1086 Willett Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island.

Needed information, Rhode Island Department of Health, Building and Fire, and Victualing.

Is any Is the business uh present?

The uh Subway business, 1086 Willett Avenue, Riverside. Is there anyone representing them present?

Mr. Solicitor, do you want to continue uh I I I would ask for a continuance for the next meeting. We will give them one last chance. We have sent them numerous letters and had contact with them. They have been very unresponsive to date.

We're I'm reluctant to shut down an operating business, but I think at this point we're getting a little Are we aware have they been operating? They have been operating, yes.

Okay. My only problem with these delays is we've done a few the last couple of meetings.

Uh um you know, can it get away from us?

There I don't know that it was directly related. There was a recent fire in the city and then there was something about an inspection that hadn't been totally completed. Uh we had the issue with the vendor at Crescent Park that um we we kind of let that go with a long grace period and then we we are hearing that they don't want to come back and we're scrambling at the last minute. So, I

I don't know. I'd like to discuss that for a second. I mean, they've had plenty of warnings. Maybe they need um I mean, these are some serious areas.

We're talking about Building and Fire, the Victualing, and the more important Building and Fire and the Rhode Island Department of Health.

So, if they don't pass those and something happens, someone gets gets sick or I mean, why wouldn't they respond? They've had numerous warnings.

I can't answer that.

Right. I'm not I'm asking victorically.

We we you know, we we have gone on This is the last one of the slew that we had over the last couple months. I know the Clerk's office has been working very hard to try to get the people to come in. This is the This is the last holdout. The as you know, the one that we talked about the carousel didn't come in.

expect them to come in cuz they weren't operating and they eventually decided not to renew their license, but this is the last holdout. I I I'm willing to We've given them many opportunities. I know the Clerk's office has sent them uh numerous letters. Um I would just ask one last time for next 2 weeks and then we shut them down.

Yeah, I mean, I'm okay if we if you want I just want to make that point and then going forward, I I think we need to really hold firm. I will tell you that it's rare to have uh just one out here. Um the city's been done an excellent job of getting these licenses in order. So, of all the businesses in the city that we issue the licenses that we issue, we count to one

out of how you know, how many. So, this is but I just don't know. There was a little confusion here because the person previously owned the business sold it to a new new entity and apparently that that person kept on renewing the license for the new entity even though that person didn't own the business anymore. So, that's another That's an issue in itself.

I mean, But we wouldn't know I know, but running the business so you're not registering it first with the Secretary of State.

Now, where's the Division of Taxation?

I mean, so I'm just saying there's a lot of other You just put another red flag out there. I mean, we as small business owners, I mean, if it's an LLC or if it's a C corp, you have to register, you know, May or September with the Secretary of State's office. And then as as a taxpayer, I mean, and and running businesses, you know, out of you know, are the taxes up to date? Are they

paying their you know, taxes? You know, we we get 1% of that of that money as well. So, it's just a red flag, you know, it's almost like a a shadow company is running this and this has been going on since December 1st and as the Council President talked about, my biggest concern, forget about the taxes and everything like that, is they're operating a food business.

That's the serious nature of things. If they can't Why you should have the Department of Health get a certificate if you need a certificate. That's the most important thing.

Cuz an outbreak of you know, of anything that can happen in this day and age. So, that's my biggest concern is that the health certificate. I mean, as well as you know, not obeying what every other business in this in the city has done and they've abide by the rules. Some of them took a little longer. That's That's my concern is more the health department issue. Wouldn't the health department

issue some kind of stoppage if they didn't get the The health department relies on the city, believe it or not.

Okay.

So, if I may to the chair. Yes, Councilwoman. Um having heard everything that everybody said up here, um and I know we are definitely a pro-business community and want to continue to support pro-business. I do think acting as the licensing board, we do have a responsibility to make sure that our businesses are also operating safely and within the rules and regulations not only of the

city, but of the state. And so, with that being said, hearing that this business potent has sold has had a change of ownership, we are not entirely sure that our communication with 100% accuracy is going to the right person, then I would think that maybe we need to just take the next step at the time and that would gain the attention of whomever is operating this business to take action.

So, I would suggest to the council that we someone from the city go in person and do a spot check and tell them that this business, you know, is potentially being closed within 24 to 48 hours unless we hear back from the owner or manager of the business to come into compliance with the ordinance and the regulations. Well, on that note, I was I was just thinking here.

If we're going to if what the Solicitor is saying about waiting to the next meeting, which would be our first meeting in May, that you as the Solicitor with the Clerk's office in the next 48 hours draft a letter, call the Chief of Police to have a hand-delivered letter to that property notifying them of the severity of the situation and if they do not appear at the next meeting, the next day,

there's a lock on the door.

I mean, I think that's the fair way to you know, a combination cuz it shouldn't be anybody from the city to go and inspect it because we don't have a food I mean, other than the building inspector and the and the fire department to inspect.

Right. So, it looks like we have multiple things here. We have Building and Fire, which are city, and then we have Health Department. So, I think the fire department doesn't go out to every It's just then they don't go out to every business every year and look for the renewal.

So, I think they're required in this case And it because of food. Yeah, cuz of That's right. Yeah, cuz it Well, cuz of the transfer, correct? learn about that. So, so that So, in in any event, there has to be a show cause hearing.

This is the show This is, right? So, if we put it off, uh we would still have to have show cause hearing. my opinion again, I think waiting 2 weeks to have them then come and say X, Y, and Z to then pros prolong it even further just isn't efficient. I think we can give them 2 weeks from the 24 to 48 hours from when they receive the handwritten letter to come into compliance by the next

council meeting. So, by the the council meeting, they should be, in my opinion, in full compliance as is all other businesses throughout the city that are operating.

Right. So, in essence, it's giving them till the next meeting, which I think we should But, not a control it at that time. Not a show cause make make the statement tonight that I think you should make a vote that they are in default.

And then the motion will be that find them in default and the penalty will be that if they're not complied by May 1st, we will shut them Right. So, I will entertain a motion that should say that the the vendor is in default of the licensing and they have until the May 1st. Is that the meeting date? May May 5th meeting and to produce the necessary documents. If if not, then they will have to cease operation.

Is there a motion?

We can draft draft this letter so and the police can deliver it on Thursday.

Yes. But, we need the motion. Oh, no.

I'm just making sure.

I make a motion that we serve them with the letter and uh that they have to be in compliance by the 5th of May 2026.

Is there a second?

There's a second. Councilwoman Souza seconds. So, all in favor? I. I. Is there anyone opposed?

The eyes have it 4-0. Thank you. Next item.

Thank you, solicitor.

Consent calendar for discussion and possible vote.

A. Council journals number one regular meeting minutes, April 7th, 2026.

Make a motion to approve the consent Motion Councilwoman Souza to approve, seconded by Councilman Fogarty. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The eyes have it.

Next item.

Licenses for discussion and possible vote. A. Non-public hearing. One one-day entertainment license annual feast.

Holy Ghost Beneficial, May 24th, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

One-day entertainment license, Holy Ghost feast.

Trinity Brotherhood, 146 Sutton Avenue, 5/29/26, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

One-day entertainment license, Holy Ghost feast.

Trinity Brotherhood, 145 Sutton Avenue, May 31st, '26, 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

One-day entertainment license, parish annual feast.

Sacred Heart Church, 118 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, 6/14/26, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

One-day entertainment license, church annual feast. Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, June 19th to June 26th, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. One-day entertainment license, Cinco de Mayo celebration.

L Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 335 Newport Avenue, East Providence, May 5th, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. One-day block party food truck event.

187 North Brow Street, East Providence, June 7th, '26, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

One-day special event annual feast. Holy Ghost Beneficial, 51 North Phillips Street, alcohol license, May 22nd through May 24th, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

One-day special event alcohol license, Holy Ghost feast. Trinity Brotherhood, 146 Sutton Avenue, East Providence, May 29th, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Special event alcohol license, Holy Ghost feast.

Trinity Brotherhood, 146 Sutton Avenue, East Providence, May 30th, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

One-day special event alcohol license, Holy Ghost feast. Trinity Brotherhood, 146 Sutton Avenue, May 31st, 5:00 p.m.

to 9:00 p.m.

Special event one-day alcohol license, church annual feast. Saint Francis Xavier Church, 6/19 to 6/26, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

New business type of business.

New mobile food truck, Claudia Conero, Davey School, Patriots Plate, 50 Jenks Hill Road, Lincoln.

New business Sunday and holidays, Daniel Brennan Starbucks.

Business location, 50 Narragansett Park Drive, East Providence.

Type of license, new business mobile truck, Sugar Rush, 9 Westwood Road, Bristol.

New business mobile food truck.

Chariho School District, 455A Switch Road, Wood River Junction. New business mobile food truck, Davies Career and Technical School, 50 Jenks Hill Road, Lincoln.

So, of course, those addresses that are not East Providence are the owners.

That's not where the event is.

Um if you haven't noticed, it's the feast season in East Providence as summer approaches.

Does anyone on the council have a question about any of these specifically?

Do not. If not, is there a just all the schools just to remind people that's the event down at Crescent Park. Can you date escapes my brain, Tracy, right now.

Saturday, May 16th. It's a great event.

That's why you're seeing all the schools. They're uh making effort to go see the future entrepreneur chefs of the state of Rhode Island at that event. Some really great food.

Thank you. Is there a motion to bundle first all of the events? Can we bundle and approve?

Okay. So, is it motion by Councilwoman Souza to bundle the events as read, seconded by Councilman Rego. All in favor? I. Any opposed?

The eyes have it. Councilwoman Souza moves to approve all of the licenses, seconded by I'll second. Council Vice President Rego. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. So, those are all approved and if anyone is interested in any one of those, the dates again, information, you know, let us know. I'll let the clerk's office know and we'll we'll get you that information if you didn't get to jot it down.

Next item.

Communications, Nancy Hill, historic Oldham property on Bullocks Point.

Um is Hale here?

Welcome.

Just name and address.

Thank you. Nancy Hale, 889 Bullocks Point Avenue.

I was on the docket last time, so I was more prepared then. We'll see how this goes.

[clears throat] Some of you have received, I hope, some of you may have read the emails about the I'm talking about the historic Oldham property on Bullocks Point Avenue.

[cough and clears throat] Not necessarily the former former Oldham, if we're going to get into that.

So, this is the Oldham School on Bullocks Point Avenue.

And about and incorrectly as I got About a hundred thousand was allotted from ARPA funds for the roof. Is that right?

I thought Rick would be here cuz he was going to discuss Oldham.

Right. The the roof has been completed.

That's done. I forget the exact dollar amount.

Was it about half the hundred thousand and the other half of the money went somewhere More probably more than that, but it but it is done.

Approximately half, maybe 600,000. I've heard different things, but I've never seen anything in writing. But, there could be 4,000 or so.

400,000 left to go.

But, that money went somewhere else. So, I'm wondering, does anyone know where that money went?

That's a question. Doesn't have to be answered tonight.

Then the next thing is does anybody have any feedback on some of the ideas that I've communicated through email?

[clears throat] Another question I have is Those questions need to be directed I hate to pass the buck, as the saying goes but that needs to start with the administration on the plans and then would come to us. I mean, they're they're viable questions, but viable. Andre will be able to tell you where the money is and and there is a plan. They are cultivating a situation down there right now. So,

What do you mean by cultivating a situation?

Cultivating a plan. So, Well, there was about 250,000 of non-taxpayer money spent on a feasibility study for a business incubator. Again, those are direct questions that need to be directed to to the you know, Okay. I have more. I have more, which may be directed in the same area, but then you'll know what the questions are.

I thought Rick would be here tonight and he was going to talk about Oldham School as well.

When when we some of us, I was there, Rick was there, went to the um presentation that the feasibility study company did. They were they had planned housing there, which was a complete surprise to many of us.

I remember on on their um diagrams counting about 96 units of unknown size, unknown value, and 90 parking spots, which was already kind of like, where are they going to put visitor cars, delivery cars?

There just doesn't seem to be space there altogether for more housing.

The land might be able to build but there's other things that that happen when you when you have more people in an area where it's pretty concentrated already.

So, my ideas are to keep the space green and not let Oldham go the way of Metacom and two developers that we don't have control over city property when the developers get get going, really.

We don't want to have to fight for our own city property or for a school, which Rick has meant he's not here. I can't speak for him, but he has suggested that we should maintain the building and keep it at least minimally functional as a school in case we need a school in that area again. So, a a bid process is underway. I know. Right. So, when that comes in from administration, it will be

addressed by this council, and we we the last say will be here on that plan. Excuse me. Right now, everything's speculation. There's not a plan that's been put in front of this council.

a bid for something, which would be a bid for qualifications, basically. RFQ?

It's closed. Because Closed? Closed.

The bid process is closed. It's now.

you've contracted with a developer?

No. No, what does it mean?

Or do you want to wait till you're up here?

So, I just I'm not here at every meeting. Mi- Miss Hale, so a request for qualifications or request for proposals came in. I believe the city got one proposal back. I heard something.

Right. And and that's under review uh by the administration. Um I I don't know where that it's under review. It has not been brought before the council. It may not be a plan or that that the city's willing to entertain this.

We don't know enough yet, really. Well, we know what the there's been a submittal of a a plan, but it's under review. Does that include housing or is that is housing off the off Mhm?

Uh Andre, if you're going to answer, you have to use the uh mic. Thank you.

Nancy, uh thank you for your question, and we can always meet on this offline.

I did give this update two council meetings ago.

Uh if there's not a small business incubator component, then we will not proceed, but we are looking at and going to meet with the people that submitted uh their RFQs uh as part of our due diligence process.

Thank you.

Okay, there was always a the feasibility study was supposed to be for business incubator only.

So, I guess I want to hear at some point that housing is not being considered there anymore.

Or how much housing?

I think Rick has I I I I I understand. It's okay. I have a lot of questions. They don't all need to be answered tonight, but Rick has stated many times, I've been here many times, it's not something that we that the people of Riverside, the people who live in East Providence have been asked about.

And I would say from the discussions I've had, the people I've listened to, we haven't heard anything about the housing that we would like.

And I am again speaking mostly for myself, but I know that I'm not alone.

So, I I think Nancy that the the time will come when you can be there as well as anybody else and and make comments on whatever proposal comes to us. We don't have it yet.

The administration I I I'm talking Hang on. Let me finish.

administration now, right? I understand your situation.

Okay. So, what's your further question?

I will wait for further information about a business incubator. That's my position. That's the only thing I can do. Business incubator and anything else that's recommended, then we'll go from there.

ideas were a a some of the businesses could be sustainable, possibly a little bit of gardening or farming, so that we keep some of our green space and sky in Riverside.

Yep, I hear you.

Thank you, Nancy.

Number two, Brown University Health a proposed emergency stroke research study that may involve EMS services in the city. Ana Lucia Garcia.

Hi, you're welcome. Just identify yourself for the record.

Hi, I'm um Ana Lucia Garcia Guarnizo.

I'm a stroke neurologist at Rhode Island Hospital. Um part of Brown Health University, and thank you so much for having us today. Um today I'll be presenting um possible study that we're running with um EMS and the fire department. Chief Harris here with us. Thank you so much.

And the ethics committee is also here.

Um the purpose of this presentation is to inform you what will happen in case the study is approved, and also to ask for suggestions and think if this is feasible in your community.

Um so, to summarize the study, it's basically a way to find out if a patient has a large clot in their brain before they get to the hospital through a brain wave method.

Next slide, please.

Um so, we'll talk a little bit about what um usually patients get when they are en route to the hospital, how the study works, and then we'll ask for your input again if you think this is feasible and if it feels right for you.

Um just to think a little bit about strokes, what you see in TV in the movies, it's a large clot that can happen inside of your brain. And when you have a large clot, 75% of the patients can end up dead or have a severe disability, meaning that they cannot walk, they cannot do their day-to-day activities. So, within the past 10 years, there has been a new method, which is a surgery to remove the

blood clot. This method does not exist everywhere in all of the hospitals, so it's really important that when you think a patient has large clot, then a patient goes to a tertiary hospital, meaning a large hospital that can give you this opportunity this treatment.

Next slide, please.

Okay. So, usually when a patient has a stroke or a symptom that looks like a stroke, EMS gets on the scene, the fire department, and then they do a quick scale. It's really easy. Um they check if your face becomes droopy, if you can grip with your hands, and if your arms are weak. And then they gives you a scale. And with that scale, then they decide if you are possibly having a

large clot in your brain, and you can be triaged to a higher degree hospital, tertiary hospital with the opportunity to having this clot removed. Now, in real life, it's actually not as as in the study, 76%, but only 65 or 67% of the patients are well diagnosed with this method. So, many patients are missed. So, our idea is to have another way to diagnose which patients have a blood clot in their brain.

Next slide. Okay. So, the study that we're proposing is a patient has a stroke at in their home or in the field, they are activating EMS. EMS does the usual things that they always do, which is their stroke scale, and then also a patient will get a brain wave study. And we're going to show the pictures, but it's a really easy helmet that goes on top of them. It's not going to really

interact or affect the way they are triaged to a hospital.

Next. So, that's the picture. It's a it's a rubbery helmet, a plastic helmet that just go on top of you. It doesn't really hurt. It just captures your brain waves. And the idea it's that it's placed within 30 seconds of the EMS personnel seeing the patient.

And again, the EMS will continue doing whatever they would do usually for a patient. Next step.

So, then the patient arrives to the hospital, they decide if if the patient does have a large clot, and then they get the surgery if they need to, and then we collect that data. Next step.

And then we also will collect the brain wave activity. Now, the reason why we are here, it's because this study is particular. Usually uh clinical trials, they ask for permission for the participants before they enroll a patient. The importance of that is because we want to make sure um that a someone is choosing freely and that their rights are respected. Now, this is specific study, it's particular

because patients, unfortunately, when they have a stroke, they don't always have the opportunity to talk. Many of them cannot understand. They're altered.

They cannot voice, you know, understanding what you're telling them.

So, what we are proposing in this study is an exemption for the informed consent, which means once you get to the hospital, then we'll ask either the patient, if the patient's awake, or their family member, or their legal representative. We won't ask them at the time that the brain wave um device is placed. Now, if their family or the patient declines to be part of the study, we would not use their data.

So, this is very important. Now, this Do you think that sounds reasonable? Do you feel comfortable with that? That's one of our questions. And then we'll put up a survey for you.

And then for those that do not feel comfortable with that, we'll put a phone number so you can opt out of the study, and we'll mail you a bracelet that you can wear that would say that you would not get the EEG recording.

Next.

Um so, again, just to clarify how this is uploaded, your brain wave activity data does not go with your name. It just has numbers. For example, instead of my name, Anna, it will have RIH, the hospital, 001. It would not be collected with any of your information. It will be de-identified. And this is how we'll collect it. Next steps.

And now, important things. What are the risks of this device? Basically, like any brain wave activity, it can cause some irritation because it has a glue that can happen with any kind of machine you get, even in the hospital. If that were to happen, we can always remove it.

There can be some, you know, creams that we can put there. And the benefits, it's more to think about benefits for the community and future patients like yourself, but not necessarily for the patient because we won't be sharing the brain wave activity with each one of the patients. Next.

Um and as I said, what is important of this study is to try to get a faster diagnosis for those that have a blood clot in their brain to see if that can improve the outcomes, getting a surgery faster, a better recovery time, and then helping to see if this can treat Sorry. Triage better um from EMS to the hospitals.

Next.

Um and then finally, what we want to see is also if implementing this brain wave activity device it actually makes sense and it would work outside in the real world for other potential rural places, for example, around America.

Um next.

Um Okay. Next one.

And so, just to clarify everything before I put the survey there and I answered your questions is that a patient gets a stroke on the field, we call out EMS, the fire department. They get to the scene. They do an exam the same way they would do it. They put this helmet that takes 30 seconds to be placed. You go to a hospital. We ask for your permission or your family permission in the hospital. You get

exactly the same care as you would do with or without the helmet. We collect your data if you allow us to collect it, and then we'll follow up with you to see how well you recover at the end.

Um next slide.

Um so, I just wanted to bring it up for you in case you any of you can answer those questions is Do you have any concerns about the patients or the the participants not being able to voice saying yes or no to put the helmet on before they get to the hospital?

Or does this make sense?

Hang on 1 second. I just was ready to defer to um our um medical person on the council of that's Councilwoman Souza what what you're thinking here, and then we'll go to you uh Thank you. Thank you, doctor, for being here today and presenting um this amazing technology that is being offered to our community. Um I I do have uh obviously a ton of different questions. Um I am a neurospine nurse,

so this is kind of my fieldhouse um unfortunately, unfortunately. So, um a couple of things um they're probably going to be more direct questions than what maybe my other council members. So, one, I think that it is a great idea to have this as an option um or tool in our community um in the immediate. Um one of the questions, and I think this is probably more of a logistical question for our chief and

administration, but um I'm assuming they would have multiple um devices at all of our firehouses.

For East Providence, correct? Could I just interrupt? Fire Chief, could you join the podium in that way if you want to join in, you can uh Councilwoman, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Thank you.

Um and but they would only be used on So, if we're doing a call for service, you know, as a um in another community, we would not be using that on those residents. It's strictly for residents within our community.

I would imagine that It's it could go either way. If if they decide to go to other surrounding mutual aid communities and decide to do the same presentations, it this all comes down to it's a study.

So, they're looking for quality data.

Mhm. But we treat patients all the time for, you know, implied consent cuz they can't consent.

Correct. And we have to do life-saving measures. This isn't part of our protocol. It's a study. Right. So, they're going to reach out to the community and say, uh do you think this is a bad thing or a good thing? Yeah. To me, it's as innocuous as putting on a seatbelt, for lack of a better term.

Um the data is getting captured. It's not interfering with our protocols.

They're still going to follow the stroke protocol and do everything we do now. No delay in patient care at all.

[clears throat] The whole thing is to capture that data that they're going to use in the future to develop EEG to be able to be field usable to identify LVO for all EMS providers.

Okay.

Every piece of equip- equipment in the field that we have has gone through this process over the years. Um but this one, if if this comes to fruition, I see this as not just local or state. This is this is a national impact cuz there's no study like this right now. I believe there was one small study in Netherlands. Mhm. Um but very small picture of patients, and they got some

good results. So, I applaud them for heading in this direction. Yeah. Uh if you saw the latest episode of The Pit, they actually showed that device in the ER the last episode. Uh so, these are new. Mhm. Um but then I believe there's two or three, maybe four that are now FDA approved.

So, they're starting to see what the mobility and and applications can be. In LVO, you know LVO, right? Severe impact.

Yes. Most of our patients don't ever recover. Or if they do, it's a very small percentage. Uh we've been involved with the stroke protocol and study since 2024.

Um I can give you numbers.

I like to give you stats. Yeah, that's great.

So, since January of 2024, we've done 264 patients that were referred by the stroke protocol.

And out of those, 76 we received the stroke feedback. Uh feedback is comes back to how well we did compared with the stroke protocol. A scale 1 to 10. Uh we've never got anything below a nine.

Our agency has been pretty hot on this for the last 2 and 1/2 years.

Um and we're always amenable to any new changes or new devices that we can use in the field to make patient care better. Community harm reduction is our wheelhouse, right?

Thank you. And just to answer Thank you so much. Just to answer that question, uh primarily in East Providence, but potentially can extend to adjacent areas that have a catchment within Rhode Island Hospital. Right, right. So, just cuz I know you said we were starting here, and I didn't know how quickly you were spreading out um into the neighboring communities. So, we have presented the study outside of East

Providence as well, and we are asking for the ethics committee approval for adjacent communities. But the devices will be at the East Providence fire station. Yeah. Um and then the the data that's on the device, is is it attached to something else? Is there like a box that comes No. Or is it like a chip that you or plug in that gets plugged in at the hospital? How is that? So, we remove the

helmet, and then we plugged it in. And that way we obtained the data. Okay. And that's initially when they get to the emergency room, it comes off, and then that's not the protocol in the And then it gets uploaded into a cloud, and it will get uploaded just with numbers, not with a name. And then how do you determine So, later on, if they want to be part of the study, how do you

determine which individual is assigned to which number? So, within the hospital in a locked database that no one else can access, the numbers that are on the cloud will be matched with the names on the medical record, but only in the hospital we will have access, only the study personnel. Okay. All right.

Thank you. Yeah, I think it's amazing. I think it's great. Anything that advances early indications of any disease process that we can identify sooner than later cuz time is tissue, right? Thank you.

Thank you, uh Council Vice President.

My question was uh obviously first 4 hours of somebody having a stroke, if I'm correct, in most Mhm. time. So, if the clock's ticking and you happen to come home and find find a loved one who is suffering a stroke and not knowing the not knowing the time, and you piece it all together like where where are you far as that person and going to the trauma center, more than likely in this

case would be Rhode Island Hospital. So, uh I I obviously understand about the study, but will that emergency room have that that information so that that trauma team is seeing what is going through the going through that headset at that time?

Brainwave. That's a great question and probably maybe in the future if this gets approved and we actually show that it works, but at the same time that we're doing the study, we won't be providing the information. The importance of that is we don't want to bias a medical team on their treatment at the time. But, you know, after the results come back, then later when we actually use it in the community, it may

be something that we can offer.

Thank you. Mhm.

Thank you, Councilman. Look, questions.

Fire Chief Carrey, so this is something you're all aboard with, I take it. Yes, we're 100% on board with it. Yep.

It's a good thing.

Um so, we are supposed to collect over 100 patients, so it's probably going to last a little bit over 9 months to a year, um optimistically, but it may last longer as as as long as we collect the amount of patients.

Um I hope it lasts a long time. That means there's less people in East Providence having strokes. So, I would like to see it last 10 years.

I mean, you know, that way. You know, also, I I don't want it to be a short study. I want it to be a long study.

Yeah, I know.

Um we we very much wish that, you know, stroke comes down. Um just going back into the feedback form, it would really help us for those who have not been able to voice their suggestions or their concerns in that QR code. And for those who want to opt out of the study, you'll find a phone number there that's going to lead to our research coordinator and then we'll mail you that bracelet to opt

out of the study. But again, you can opt out at any time when your family decides when you get to the hospital.

So, out of curiosity, and I'm in full support, but what is your funding source?

Um so, it's a it's a seed grant that goes through Brown University Okay.

that has been provided.

Logistically, Mr. Solicitor, what what is the role of the Council here?

that was my next question. So, the what is the role I know you're here presenting your the study or the the parameters of the study. Are you looking for a formal approval of this Council or are you are you just here to give us information and then obviously it would be up to the Fire Chief as a department head to Yes.

This is just a community engagement.

It's just engagement. We still need the ethics committee. If you want to put the next slides, um So, if I can Yeah. Okay. Uh-huh.

So, this is all about community engagement. They did meet with myself and the mayor and went through the whole process with the mayor. The mayor is in favor of and willing to do some public information and outreach at different venues, say the senior center, maybe a town meeting at night in a in a select location yet to be determined. They need to try to get as many people in the community to see this,

uh sign up or or say that, yep, they're for it, they're not for it. It's it's to make sure that they have enough and ethics will speak to that. I leave the QR code up for a while after this is done till the end of the meeting, so anybody at home who's viewing the Council meeting live, they can actually do the QR code in their phone and and go through the process.

Um through the chair? Yes, Councilman.

Um yeah, Mr. Solicitor, would it be um would it be something about putting it online or would that be not ethical to do?

Like we had it on like our EMS Yes, so it has the slides have been approved by the ethics committee, so we would love for them to be online. Uh we have them in Spanish and Portuguese. The um the survey is also in Spanish and Portuguese as well and it would really really help to hear your thoughts about the study.

Um we can put the QR code, I think, at the end.

Um This is just what we were talking about.

And that.

So, I think another other than the city um putting using social media our social media or our our website um to provide the number and QRS code, I think um maybe if Brown uh utilized our local um newspaper, our reporter or our post um to put that out that's out in every store, um business and then we get that the all residents get the reporter monthly, that might be a good way of reaching everyone

um to get more of that feedback that you're looking for. Yeah, we we would love that if we can do that. We'll talk to you about how to put that out.

Sure. Yeah. Thank you.

So, final question from me, those hats, could you we get five of those to measure the brain waves of the Council?

The times um you don't have to answer that.

You might be allergic to the gel.

Thank you uh very much. Do you have any closing comments? No, thank you so much for for giving us this platform.

your patience. I know you were here at a prior meeting too and thank you for dealing with our logistical stuff.

And thank you to Carrey. suggestion um I have two elderly three towers for senior living in my uh district. I think if you can coordinate, I know the Chief Chief talked about the senior center. I think if you go around and there's one down in Riverside as well. I think if you go to the local when they have their coffee hour or a meeting or their monthly meeting, Mhm. I think it would be very appropriate there

as well as maybe some of the local churches because obviously strokes can uh hit anybody at any age when you hear athletes and even uh some of the organizations I uh had a relative who's no longer with us that had a couple of strokes and I see it and uh whatever support I can give you in my ward, I will be right there with you. I think this is a fantastic idea and I'm

glad you picked East Providence. I'm glad that the Chief has pushed this forward. Thank you so much. Thank you.

And for those who can't use QR codes, um Skyler has the actual printouts. If you can fill out the survey. Thank you.

Thank you once again. Thank you, Chief.

Okay, Madam Clerk, uh next item.

Number nine, public comment, Clay Graham.

All right, welcome. Just your name and address.

My name's Clay Graham. I'm at 59 Grosvenor Avenue. Um I'll just bring up my notes real quick.

So, I'm here tonight representing East Providence community as well as other residents of East Providence advocating for safer streets.

On behalf of EPIC and Providence Streets Coalition, I would like to invite invite all of you on the Council and anyone in the room to join us for the first ever East Providence Fam Jam on May 2nd at 1:00 in Riverside Square.

Fam Jam is an all ages bike ride in celebration of safer streets and just general access of bike infrastructure by by families.

So, please join us.

For more information, please check out East Providence community on Facebook, Instagram or Blue Sky.

I have two flyers here and there's some flyers outside. It's going to be a lot of fun. So, thanks.

Thank you. You've done a great job. I assume you've already done this. Have you talked to the police department about an escort during that ride?

There's a lot of traffic in the area. We the route is like designed Just on the path itself? It's going to be on side streets and mostly on the bike So, I thought. So, if it's side streets, But we the the group is with Providence Bike Jam that has a lot of experience of like having these large bike rides and they've had like a a dog jam, a Guy Fieri jam, other fam jams, so we're

pretty well prepared.

Yeah, sounds good. Thanks.

Thank you for coming.

Candy Seal.

streets Welcome.

Thank you, Council President.

I uh I'll take 5 minutes of your time if you could indulge me tonight. Continue. I'm here this evening as a resident and as a Candy Seal uh South Rose Street uh East Providence. I'm here this evening as a resident and a representative of Keep Metacom Green.

I and we support Councilwoman Sue's resolution to request that RIDEM conduct a community meeting on the soil remediation plan for the Metacom site. I and we respectfully ask that you support it as well.

For the benefit of Council members and members of the public who have not followed the situation closely, allow me a moment to summarize the timeline that led to this plan.

In January 2025, Sage Environmental, the developer's consultant, was made aware of the release of hazardous materials on the site.

This was reported in writing to RIDEM in March of 2025.

Discussions were held among the relevant parties and it was determined that temporary mitigation efforts would be put in place while a permanent remediation plan was being finalized.

A notice was sent to abutters by mail in June 2025 and a notice published in the post served to inform the general public.

Coincidentally, toward the end of its 2025 session, the Rhode Island General Assembly increased the maximum acceptable standard of arsenic contamination so that the 80 plus spots previously recognized as hazardous were reduced to three.

After more discussion and in light of the reduced standard, a soil blending technique was agreed upon in March of 2026.

Soil blending at its most basic level is basically mixing good soil with bad until an acceptable result is established.

This plan was agreed to by RIDEM with the condition that the public have an opportunity to comment.

A public notice dated April 2nd was sent to abutters. Although this time the general public was not informed.

The public comment period was limited to 14 days from the date of the letter ending on April 16th.

Comments had to be in writing either by email or snail mail.

After canvassing a number of abutters, we realized that not only was the comment deadline too soon, but that a community meeting was necessary for the abutters and the general public to hear firsthand about the planned technique and to have an opportunity to engage in a question and answer session.

When we we then reached out to RIDEM and were able to gain an extension of 10 more days with a new deadline of April 28th. We were informed though that RIDEM's remediation regulations only allow for a community meeting under certain circumstances.

One, a minimum of 25 public comments which we are working on.

Or two, a request from a governmental subdivision or agency. Or three, an organization with with at least members who could be expected to use the contaminated site when redeveloped.

We took this matter to the Waterfront Commission at its April 16th meeting, recognizing that the commission is the primary governmental sub subdivision with authority over the waterfront district.

Unfortunately, in the rush of time we did not ask for a vote to be placed on the docket.

It became apparent to us though that the commission most likely would not have taken a vote to request a community meeting.

Chairman Fazzio and commission attorney Goins made it quite clear at that meeting that the commission's only responsibility at this point is to check off council and commission conditions of approval as the developer completes them.

And so we turn to you.

The city of East Providence itself is an abutter of the Metacomet site mainly through the Pierce Athletic Complex.

There has not been one word from the city administration to the public about this since the hazardous material situation was identified in January 2025.

To our knowledge, not one flyer has been posted.

Don't the athletes and families who use those fields daily deserve a community meeting?

How about the cyclists and walkers along the bike path and the golfers on Met Links?

They are all temporary abutters as well.

As we have discussed here before, the investigation did not extend to Met Links nor to the 9.6 acres that will be deeded to the city for public use.

Don't we as a community deserve to know why?

Keep Metacomet Green requests that the council join our call for a community meeting for the public good.

This should happen at a local meeting place such as Weaver Library at an hour convenient to the working public such as 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.

It does us little good for RIDEM to schedule a community meeting at its administrative offices on Smith Hill during the work day.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Comments?

Yes, council. I have one comment, Mr.

President. Uh Mr. Solicitor, with the city as Miss Mrs. Seal pointed out is an abutter, did do we have a cop I mean we we saw the notice and everything, but do you have the actual copy of the of the of this report?

I have a copy of of Sage Environmental report that was given to me by the attorney for them after we I received the letter. I I called him and asked for it. So I do have a copy.

So we do have a copy. I I can happy to share that with the council. I I haven't read it exactly, but [snorts] I I just got it the other day.

But the purpose of this if if the council does and I know councilman Souza councilman Souza has already reached out to DEM, the purpose of this meeting would be to um basically inform the public as to what the remediation measures are, what they found at the site and whatnot. I want to make it clear and I and I think there's uh they they they only test the those areas where there's going to be a disturbance.

So that's why that you you didn't test the golf course because there's no disturbance on the golf course. There was So that that's part of their environmental review, but they can get they're more and and it may be very interesting and informative to you to find out why they tested where they tested and and and what. So that's all DEM in in DEM.

Yeah, those are the those are the type of things that are going through my mind right now. Right.

But you know But I the letter is clear that if the governmental entity requests such a meeting and I think councilman Souza asked us put on the agenda. I'm assuming that um My understanding is that the the meeting has already actually been requested for and they they may actually be already heading in that direction anyway, but it would help to have a council um request for it. Could we have this at a regular

council meeting instead of I mean Yeah, what I don't I'm sorry councilman, I don't mean to interrupt. What I don't know is that this the meeting is is is the community meeting is hosted by DEM or on DEM. We don't host you know we we ask for the meeting, but it's up to them to to to to organize it and find out where it is.

should be a separate night.

Yeah, so all right. I and I don't know and I think sorry. Go ahead. I was going to I was asking could we summon not using or not the legal summon, but I should say request that D that a representative DM DM comes to one of the meetings in May probably the second meeting in May because we have first the next meeting's front loaded. Yeah, I think I I I mean certainly can request that, I

but I think the purpose of the regulations that they have is that if a governmental entity requested they they they schedule a community meeting for which you obviously would be invited as a member of the public as a member of the governmental entity, but it would really be up to them to schedule that meeting and that's where the information would be relayed.

Mrs. Seal, you you had an inquisitive look there. Would you like to comment?

Oh, I often have an inquisitive That is true.

This is Permanently.

Mr. Council President, thank you. I just want to give you the opportunity to back and forth.

No, I'm I'm all set. I thank you for your time and I will submit a copy of this for the public record to the city clerk. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. Councilwoman, did you want to Well, I was just going to say I do have this on the docket. We can bring it up it up then.

the conversation or I mean where Yeah, let's bring that up now if we could go to that.

Yeah, we have other comments first. I do agree I mean I do agree uh if we're going to have a public meeting I think it should be But it wouldn't be ours.

No, yeah. Yeah, but I think we should request that it should be here in the in the council chambers so that that we can get recorded cuz if you do it at the library I think this is an important uh It's up to RIDEM.

important piece Well, I mean we we can schedule the meeting you know we should you know suggest that here so that it's videotaped and it's you know on a feed so that you know not everybody's going to make it and obviously at a time I don't want to have them schedule the meeting at 10:00 in the morning. I I think it should be scheduled at 6:00 at night so that the working people of the

city of East Providence can be there and fair. Well, that's what she said.

Yeah, well I'm just agreeing with her on this, you know. I'm you know and it might be it might nothing might come out of it, but I think it it needs in this day and age it needs to be out there so that the citizens of the city see the process that's going on.

So uh council members, so this is obviously on the agenda to discuss, but since the council vice president's bringing up some of the questions um or comments that I'm already have answers to um and have inquired about.

Um so this is on the docket again at the request of uh constituents and residents and abutters. Um and I know we do have more on the public comments to speak and I do want to give people their opportunity to speak, but just to answer some of the uh vice president's questions, I have been in communication with RIDEM. I have had um correspondence and those requests have already been

made that the um in consideration of the meeting which is underway, they are working internally to um schedule the interested parties that um should be at the meeting um and engage that. They're also looking at times to to host it. Um that was one of the requests that the meeting be held locally here in East Providence and that it should be after the hours of 4:00 or 5:00 so that all

residents and neighbors concerned and abutters could be present at that meeting um to get the most engagement um as possible and that everybody's transparently aware of what's going on.

So thank you for agreeing with that uh that sentiment. Thank you. Are there other people that have signed up? Yes.

Joseph Baxter.

I welcome. This name and address. Good evening Mr. President and members of the council. My name is Joseph Baxter.

I'm here as an attorney representing Metacomet Property LLC, the developer of the proposed development at the Metacomet property.

My office address is one Turks Head Place in Providence.

I believe my colleague from my firm Josh Filinsky sent some written comments to the council this afternoon, but I just want to highlight a few points that are are relevant to the discussion here. Um the first being some archaeological concerns that have been raised, um, at the uh, Metacomet site.

Um, so the developer has engaged, uh, the Public Archaeological Laboratory Inc. to conduct, uh, fieldwork that has been going on on and off, uh, depending on the season since 2024. Uh, as I'm sure you're aware, uh, this just resumed, uh, in March, uh, for this year. Uh, we anticipate the fieldwork to be done, uh, this coming June.

Um, to date, uh, as an archaeological concern, uh, there have been no, um, remains discovered, uh, on the site, which I know is a concern that was talked about in the community. Um, and additionally, the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, uh, has set some requirements uh, for the involvement of the, uh, Narragansett tribe, um, as I'm sure you're aware, uh, and just wanted

to reiterate, um, that they have been involved and and will continue to be and that the, uh, Historical Preservation uh, and Heritage Commission, um, has found that the developer has satisfied, uh, the requirements as to the tribe's, uh, input and involvement in this process. Um, specifically to the, uh, environmental remediation concerns that have been raised, uh, I just want to bring up a few points.

Um, Can I just have a one Excuse me for interrupting.

Uh, it's great that you involved the Narragansett tribes, but did you contact the tribes that are indigenous to this area like the Wampanoags? I mean, there's other tribes that should be contacted besides the Narragansett because of the heritage and the history of it. And I'm not and I'm not talking about the uh, I'm not talking about if this if this should be built or not built. That's out

of our realm already, but if you're going to go through the process of transparency, uh, I think the proper group should be also notified of their I mean, cuz they are recognizable you know, tribes in this area and they should have a sign off on that just besides Narragansetts, which, you know, if you look at the history really what went on in this area at the time that there could be any burials.

Uh, yes, so those requirements I mentioned, um, some of them specifically mentioned, uh, the Narragansett tribe, but I just wanted to check the name. Um, there have been representatives from other tribes on the site recently, including this week, um, including the Mashpee Wampanoag members of the Mash Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. Yes.

Uh, just a quick question to follow up off of that, sir. Do is there an account of those who are present on site? Is there a sign off? Is there any way so if the public wanted to know who specifically was on site monitoring or taking samples or watching that we would be able to access that information versus just, um, taking somebody's word for it. Not that I don't believe, but you know,

Um, yeah, I I I don't have any, um, you know, a log with me or anything like that but Not tonight. I would have Yeah, I would imagine you did, but I'm saying in general at the site, is there any way of documenting who has been on site from which entities that are overseeing the process? Um, I will I'll have to check on that, uh, certainly. I haven't reviewed anything myself, but I can

certainly check in. Sure.

you.

Um so just a uh, as I was saying to go to the environmental remediation concerns that I know, um, are top of mind. Um, so as has been discussed, um, there was, uh, the DEM, uh, site investigation, uh, revealed that there were three precise, uh, locations on the site, uh, where arsenic levels in particular uh, exceeded the regulatory standard, uh, which now is 19 parts, uh, per million.

Um, and it's, you know, been said that it's likely due to the site's former uses as a golf course, uh, and that some soils in Rhode Island, uh, are just typically higher, uh, in arsenic than others. Um, and a proposed, uh, the proposed remediation by Sage, as was mentioned, uh, calls for a blending process, uh, wherein, uh, fill is mixed in with, uh, the existing soil, uh, and retested until that soil, uh, reaches

uh, arsenic levels which satisfy the regulatory requirements. Um, and by way of background to this issue, uh, as was also mentioned, um, the legislature last year, uh, changed the law, the regulation um from uh what was seven, uh, parts per million, uh, to what is now 19 parts per million, the allowable level of arsenic. And, um, just by way of comparison, uh, at the time that the law was changed,

neighboring states, um, one being Massachusetts um regulatory requirement was 21 parts per million and Connecticut's was 20 parts per million.

So, much higher than Rhode Island's was at the time.

Uh, so that that was a legislative, uh, change, the law changed as a result of that. Um, an amended, um, uh, study was sent to the Department of Environmental Management to reflect, um, the new standards that were, uh, adopted by the legislature, uh, and went into effect, uh, over the summer.

Um, so as to the public hearing, uh, that's been brought up, uh, this evening, uh, the DEM has has been explained has a process, uh, that's laid out um for requirements for a public hearing, um, you know, one of this nature, uh, and we were, you know, this was brought to our attention, uh, the developer's attention, um, we had already reached out to the DEM and we're certainly on board, uh, with that public

meeting and, uh, and will help to get the ball rolling on that as well in any way that we, uh, we could, um, though it is DEM's meeting. Uh, and we expect that DEM, based on what they've told us, uh, will speak to the regulatory changes that took place, uh, and the remediation pro- uh, process, uh, in more detail at that hearing.

Um, and I'm sure that will answer answer a lot of questions.

Um, lastly, I just want to touch on one more one more point, uh, being the zone change conditions. Uh, there were several conditions, I believe 12 in total, uh, that were attached to the zone change that was, uh, adopted by this council in 2021. Uh, one of those being the conveyance of uh, a portion of the parcel, uh, to the city of East Providence, uh, for open space. Uh, the developer has begun conversations, uh,

with the city through the solicitor and other officials, um, to get this process going. Um, and, you know, we, uh, meeting with the city, uh, through the solicitor and others, um, just to determine which, uh, if any conditions, um, the city wants to attach to this conveyance. Um, you know, as far as timing goes, uh, uh, different conditions that, uh, the city may wish to include, uh, and we'll work

with the city to effectuate the conveyance, uh, in accordance with those wishes. Um, and any delays that have that have taken place in that process, um, you know, we hope don't cause any, uh, concern with the council or anything like that. Um, you know, if if there there have been some delays, um, it's not any sign of any, uh, you know, renegotiating attempt, uh, or anything like that. Um, that condition, uh, will

go forward, um, as was imposed, uh, when the the zone, uh, change went into effect. Um, those are the main points I wanted to highlight. Again, there's written testimony submitted. I have copies if you like and I'm happy to answer any questions. Through the chair.

Yes, Councilwoman Sousa. So, um, thank you for that update and I know that the administration, as you've mentioned, has conditions that they're, um, currently working out with the landowners. Um, I know la- last council meeting, um, I expressed additional conditions and concerns that I'd like to be addressed during those conversations, uh, and I think they they are relevant, um, to the turning over of that property,

um, because it is going to be we're not redeveloping the property. We want to keep it natural, um, space to utilize, um, but with some of the conditions that I know the administration is looking for, there is going to be, um, turning over of soil or disruption of soil. And so, my request is that that area be tested, um, that border that will be the borderline from the developer's property

and then the city, um, gifted property or granted property.

Um, I I know that the, uh, the parcel that will be conveyed is, uh, to be made, uh, open space and to be kept as open space, um, which to my knowledge, um, there wouldn't be any development of that property, which I don't think would trigger, um, any requirement to have that tested, um, based on uh, on my knowledge here today, but any, you know, further, uh, proposed conditions or anything like that, I'm

sure it'll be part of the conversation.

Okay. Yeah, so it is my understanding that the, uh, administration is seeking to have some type of border, a property line border, a fencing, some type of wall that's going to delineate both properties, um, and that would then require some manipulation of soil.

And that it We we are aware that you have requested testing. I uh, of the property. I can assure you that we it's been discussion, but there's no intent to use that property other than open space.

That's what it was conveyed. Putting a fence is not considered a soil disturbance, but we can we can discuss that at a Okay.

Okay. But we are we they they are aware of the council's concerns that were expressed at the last meeting. I did speak with Mr. Berlinsky after the meeting. Thank you. I appreciate that.

So, to be clear to every everyone either here or who maybe watching, there's no intent on either party, the the, uh, your client or the city to do anything other than open space for that land that was to be deeded to the city.

Right, as a condition of the zone change, there might be a fence or something. I don't know, but when it's open space, uh, An express condition of the zone We need a fence to have open space. I don't know. Well, it's well, I think we want to delineate it from the the the property owned by the the but as you know that land is currently zoned open space and it will remain zoned open space.

Again, the type of fence and whatever not we're not we're not quite there yet, but they they have been made aware of at least Open space would mean people could walk on it, right?

It's not a But you could go for a walk, but would a fence keep you out?

No.

Okay. All right. And I just want to say one thing again my my brother the council indicated that it was a public hearing regarding the community it's a it's a community meeting, right? So it's not it's a it's a meeting to relay information. It's not a it's not a required public hearing or anything like that where they can they can impose conditions. It's a meeting to inform the public Right. as to what is

going on. So Run by RIDEM.

Run by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Okay.

Right, just to be clear we're not looking to stop anything. We're just making sure that people are aware of everything that's going on and if they have questions to be to be able to ask them to the people that are appropriate to answer them.

And the letter that the letter that we had we actually Miss Andreid it was a letter sent to Miss Andreid it clearly said the remediation regulations specify that the purpose of the community meeting is to disseminate information about the Department site remediation program and specific contaminated sites site of interest document community comments and concerns about the investigation clean up and reuse of the

contaminated site and engage in the dialogue with the public about the contaminated site. That's exactly from the regulations. So that's the purpose of the meeting. Yep.

And this summit can again, but I think the more transparent everybody can be in this the developer DM and the people see it cuz this is We're we're on year six.

January I mean I remember the date it's February how I remember it was because of I was at a PC basketball game and my brother was a member at Metacomet and all they were all talking and saying just got Faxon just sold it and uh so I know I know [snorts] it's it's in it's six years long overdue for this city and I think the more information they can get we weren't we weren't the

council then, but this council wants likes information and information to the taxpayers I think the faster we get it so that nobody thinks that there's any hidden agendas or anything on anybody's part. I think the better off it is. Transparency's the key. I haven't seen I haven't seen a lot of it since I've been on this council since January 23. I think the better more transparency and open meetings and

neighborhood meetings and community meetings will help the cause. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Appreciate your time. Thank you for your time.

Any other speakers? Yes, Heather Andreid.

Welcome Heather.

It's on. There it is.

I'm Heather Andreid 100 Trail. Um so I do I do have a little remark here.

Um somebody mentioned the golf course and there wasn't any you know Met Links and there wasn't any arsenic on that. Well, they weren't it really wasn't given a chance because my shows um dug on that land for six months without a permit.

So [snorts] that that knocks that one off, doesn't it?

Um I was also wondering are there India are there is there indigenous representatives on that all week?

On the on the land all week.

Oops sorry.

Um I I'm just looking to see if I have a particular schedule. I know that the um the requirements and the involvement of of the indigenous groups was set forth by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission um and uh to date they've deemed the developer to be in compliance with all of the requirements set forth by them as it relates to those groups.

Um I I don't have in front of me what what the required schedule is you know of of those folks to be there, but they've they've been to date deemed in compliance with those requirements.

You could that would be great if if you had a list of the visitors on the thing also because um I went by there today and there was hazmat suits on this side and then maybe where Anna is there was golfers.

So this community meeting absolutely needs to get get done.

Um and just a a little thing on the soil. Um contaminated soil doesn't have any boundaries.

I mean and wasn't that wasn't that L-shaped um going to for for a Bob?

Wasn't that going to be a dog park?

It Bob didn't suggest that?

Here again we've accepted to be open space. There's no plans to make it a dog dog park. It's a plan to leave it open space for people to walk on.

And not this Bob. No, not you Bob. Not you Bob. But also that L-shaped isn't that part of the easement that Rhode Island Energy has for the towers?

There is an easement on the property.

There has been an easement on the property for more than probably 50 years cuz the towers are there yet. Yep. I'm I'm aware. So aren't they changing the towers? Aren't they going to be digging putting foundations on that land? I have no idea. Well, maybe we somebody should find out.

Before people say it's open space and nobody's going to be digging on it.

Right? I I I know for a fact and I also know for a fact and maybe Pal cannot I realize this Pal cannot say anything until the um the archaeological survey has has done been done, but um yes, there are burials. Please stop.

Please stop right now. There are burials. You know it.

The indigenous people know it.

And it should be marked as uh and and the not for nothing, but East Providence does have a responsibility to those indigenous bodies underneath to make sure that everything is on board instead of relying on somebody who says, well, I don't know what the what the things are. I don't know what the regulations are, but we've met them.

That's all I have to say.

That was the last speaker.

Last speaker. Okay.

Thank you. I think we at least established that we're moving forward there. Next item.

Number 10, appointments. Appointment of Heather Redman Pender to the East Providence Public Library Trustees Commission 3-year term effective April 22, 2026 to the April 23, 2029 appointed by Council President Rodricks and Councilman Lawson.

Anybody have a comment question?

Think we heard from some of the library board and this was a recommendation coming forward.

Motion by Councilwoman Souza to approve I second it. Heather's a really good really great person and very valuable asset for that library board. Thank you. That's a second by Council Vice President Rego. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The ayes have Thank you.

Council members Number one, possible vote to have RIDEM schedule meeting to discuss the Sage Environmental findings at Metacomet property. Councilwoman Souza.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Um as we've discussed during public comment um I have unofficially as a council as a whole reached out to the department and have been in communication and they have given me an update. Um but I think it is prudent for the council if all agreeable to send an official letter from the city council um requesting that this public meeting be had for the community to engage in any questions that they may

have regarding the results of the findings and any other remediation processes that they looking to be informed about. Um I would also in that letter if approved by the council tonight um request that it be held here in the city of East Providence um and that it be at an hour after 4:00 or 5:00 in the evening so that residents have the ability to attend after their work day.

And it seems like feedback that that you've gotten Councilwoman and and others that they've they're kind of agreeing to this, right? They'll set it up and they'll run it and they'll pick a site we can offer a little library or Yeah, there's a could use this building whatever. I haven't talked to sorry. There's there's been internal conversation on to kick that process going, but no

affirmed date. The gentleman that I have been in communication with is currently on vacation until the 27th. So I have sent my correspondence to one of his delegates and wait to hear back.

That's So that's a motion um for the support of the council to send an official letter to the Department of um Environmental Management requesting a community meeting be held within the city um boundaries either at City Hall, Weaver Library um at some site in East Providence.

in East Providence um at an hour in which the residents may all attend in the evening.

I'll second that motion.

Okay, motion by Councilwoman Souza, seconded by Councilman Fogarty. All in favor? I. I. Is there anyone opposed?

Uh the eyes have it. Up.

Do you want me to work on a Will you work with the solicitor on a wording of a letter or I can or work I can work with him.

Draft the letter and then we'll and we'll approve it. Thank you.

Okay.

Thank you, Councilwoman and members.

Next item. Public hearings, ordinance for second and or final passes for discussion and possible vote. One, ordinance of the Council of the City of East Providence appropriating 1.7 million for the for the South Broadway and Martin Street utility improvements and paving introduced by Councilman Fogarty, Councilman President Rogers, Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego and Councilman Lawson.

I think Councilman Fogarty, you had the lead on this and we we probably should have Councilwoman Souza and maybe just isn't listed here, but we've all been talking about this for a long time.

Councilman Fogarty, you and I have met with people on South Broadway, Martin Street, that main cut through from Pawtucket Avenue to South Broadway and in addition to speeding and other issues, this the street needs work as many do in the city, but that's an area that needs some And that was with the first year and I'm happy it's come forward. Thank you, Dan. Thank you to the mayor. Thank you to the staff. I

apologize to Councilwoman Souza myself personally cuz I thought we were all on it, but we talked today and as she knows my condolences for that happening.

And it's very much needed.

Infrastructure is very much needed. If Dan wants to say anything about it, he can, but um I think we're all on board. Is there Is there a motion to approve this?

Motion to approve. Motion by Councilman Fogarty, seconded by Councilwoman Souza.

All in favor? I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you all.

Next item.

I'm sorry, that was a public hearing though, right? Yes. The Did you I'll I'll back it up a second.

Is there anyone here that wants to speak on that? And we can reverse and do it over again if there's anyone here that wants to speak on that issue of doing the utility work and paving finally in South Broadway and Martin Street.

So hearing none, we'll officially close that public hearing and the vote still stands. Next item.

New business, mayor communications director of policy and constituent services, Andre Herrera.

Welcome again, Andre. Good evening, Council President, members of the City Council. Just wanted to give the mayor communications for tonight. Uh appointments our reappointments requiring council confirmation, there are none.

And any appointment reappointments not requiring council confirmation, we have none. Just want to proclaim that Friday, April 24th, 2026 will be Arbor Day in the city.

And um we're looking forward to many more trees planted.

And again, the next update I have is on the uh Loof Carousel concession stand and uh the administration is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Joe's Snack Shack uh to operate in the Loof Carousel concession stand at Crescent Park and they will be offering traditional clam shack favorites such as clam cakes, clam chowder and fried fish. And Joe's Snack Shack is owned and operated by Joe Dorado

who has proudly served in the East Providence community for the past 5 years and he's been at many of our local events and been a staple at our Independence Day festivals, uh City Hall tree lighting, Winterfest, East Providence Senior Center and the list goes on. So uh his deep commitment to the community runs strong and uh selecting Joe's Snack Shack helps us keep a true locally rooted business in

the heart of one of our most historic parks uh and continues uh our administration and the city's long-standing commitment to small business.

So Is Is there any kind of a timetable as we are fast approaching the concert season and the festivals um Yes.

So this is going to be before you guys today to vote on. So we're uh hopeful that the council approves this and uh Tracy Johnson is also here, our director of the carousel to answer any additional questions you may have.

Thank you. All right.

Yes, Councilwoman. So this is actually directed to the solicitor. Um so previously the city was in a contract with another um business and where do we stand with that contract um since it's still So Yeah, we've agreed to with the the both parties have agreed to terminate that lease. All right, can we Can the council be sent a copy of that written agreement that it's being It's out for signature right now. Okay.

All right, and that signature will come before So this is dated to commence on May 1st. Is that signature going to be prior to May 1st?

Hoping so. We um they once they sign it, they have there's some conditions they have to meet include meet including removing some other equipment or or whatever they have within 20 days of the execution of that agreement. So yes, but we're hoping that.

So we don't have 20 days within the time frame allotted in this resolution. So what is the contingency plan so that we are in agreement and we're not violating a new contract.

will either speed ahead on this contract, put you know, change the date of it or we'll we'll figure that out, but I I haven't really talked to Tracy about that. I know she's been in contact with the prior tenant and we've been trying to get them to move on on on this to get them out of out of there.

So then would it be prudent for the council to make sure that when we vote, we say that we add that clause that that make sure that the other uh individual is out of the um space prior to this one moving in just to cover ourselves. I think that would just be we we couldn't lease the same place twice. So we wouldn't let them move in until such time. So we just need some flexibility

cuz I don't know how long it's going to take for them to move. They I but we've been we've been trying to get them to move. I know Tracy has.

So.

Um and then is there any work that needs to be done to the current um facility?

That's a question for Tracy. I'm not sure.

Tracy, if you don't mind, thank you.

Thank you and welcome. Thank you. Hope you're feeling better. I know you've been I am doing much better, thank you.

Um there's no repair work at this time.

Um I've been inside the shack. We've had the fire inspection done. Water's been turned back on. Um we have a couple of little tiny leaks that um we're going to be fixing in house.

So it'll it's really just a matter of what equipment is leaving, what is staying.

We did receive a response to the letter that you sent.

Um there's a question if it's required to be notarized.

It's going to delay their process.

Perfect. I will relay that and we should have it probably tomorrow. Is it a significant amount of equipment that's being removed?

Everything.

Okay.

All right.

When when you talked to Joe's Clam Shack, once all of the logistic stuff is done, once the old tenant is moved out, they're ready to hit the ground running.

They're about Is it going to take them When do you have a best guess on when here. Oh, I didn't see him. There he does have to file follow all of the licensing protocols. So he'll be back before you for his business licenses.

He's going to have to go through the Board of Health, have all of his inspections done. Once he either retains any equipment that's there or of course moves his own equipment in. Um so we're looking at a process. Would I love to say, you know, middle of May?

Realistically, I don't think so.

Probably So you're looking at June.

Probably, which is when the concerts and all the public activity start.

So everything's being removed based on what you said and I don't want want to get it right here.

So everything's being moved out except for probably the Ansul system, which is which is ours. That's ours. So every everything I was if the they they had their own fryolators, everything.

Correct.

So everything but the Ansul system. And the hot water tank. Yeah, yeah and the hot yeah.

So if the prospective new tenant is here, I'll wait until we vote and then I'd ask you to come forward and we could say hello and welcome to you. So let's continue with this.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Tracy.

Thank you very much, Tracy. And uh at this time I want to call up uh Dan Borges to give an update on the Crescent Park projects that we have going on.

Welcome Director.

Good evening. Um so, very brief, um you know, as you are aware, uh DPW, uh with Tracy's assistance, has been working with um the second low bidder for the Carousel building.

Um we have finally been able to value engineer that project um and get it within the uh authorized amount that the City Council approved um some time ago, so we should see uh shovels on the ground hopefully by the second week of May. Um they've gotten their purchase order. We have a signed contract. Um and they're working on starting to um purchase and order uh equipment, or I should say supplies for uh building

construction.

Very good.

Thank you.

Thank you, Director. And um I also appreciate the council uh for passing um voting to approve the South Broadway and Martin Street infrastructure improvements. And we don't need to be redundant, but um we are thankful for your help on that.

Appreciate it.

Thank you, Andre.

So, um Dan, if you want to give a quick update on the cleaning and lining uh DPW work.

Uh thank you. So, as the council's also aware, um significant amount of the city has been uh cleaned and lined um west of uh South Broadway.

Um Sears, the first, second, third, all that entire neighborhood has been completed. Um sort of as the the first year's phasing, um you know, the contractor's actively working along Warren Avenue, so as residents probably see a lot of bypass piping um on the ground. So, the neighborhoods between uh Warren, Fort, um and Broadway are all getting completed now. Um so, the hope is that

we'll start uh seeing a lot of paving being done on the roadways that were completed last year.

Um and then, you know, following obviously this uh this area that I just referred to. Um and with the council's approval tonight, we're we're hopefully targeting uh the completion of all the cleaning and lining within South Broadway and Martin this year as well. Um it will be a stretch for the contractor. He's certainly pushing to get it done.

Um and and the hope is that we can get that paved as well um as part of part of this year's work.

Thank you for the update. Thank you.

It's It's really nice to see um the infrastructure in the city um being taken care of. I know it's been years of conversation and um planning that took um and I know and I appreciate the council's support financially um cuz it's something that we've been discussing and working towards um at the request, obviously, of the residents. Um and just knowing that, you know, it needs to be done because it's

been so antiquated and hasn't been done in a while. So, Dan, I appreciate you, all your workers, and all those that are collaborative in doing all of that work.

We really appreciate it in the city in Ward 2, especially since that's where it's happening currently.

I agree with that. Thanks a lot, Dan.

Thanks for all your hard Thank you, councilors.

Next item, please.

D. Resolutions for discussion and possible vote. Number one, resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a lease agreement with Joseph Snack Shack to operate the Loof Carousel concessions Council Vice President Rego, Councilman Lawson. Well, certainly enough has been discussed about this. Vice President, would you like to make a motion?

say that. I don't know if you talked about having the the vote, we'll have him having come up. Yeah, I mean, Well, he's hired. I we we've just spent about 20 minutes here talking about this, so I don't think there's anything more to say except let's move this forward, and I make that as a motion.

Second. Motion by Council Vice President Rego, seconded by Councilman Fogarty.

All in favor. I. Any opposed?

The eyes have it. Um at this time, I would ask is it Mr. Dorado, is that your last name?

Joseph, if you could just come forward quickly, and we'll let the public see you. Put your best face on cuz the TV camera will be on you. But, welcome to East Providence, and do you have any general comments? Uh Um Currently, I just have the comments.

I just want to thank everybody from the city. Uh I submitted my RF RFP or RFQ, as I've as I've heard a couple times. Um I've been a long time resident of the city for 27 years. Um I started my business about 5 years ago, and I the first few events I did of I think it was a Great Pumpkin Festival back at the um Crescent Park Carousel. I'm not exactly sure how long ago, but uh

I seen the building vacant, and it was standing there, and I I talked to Tracy about it for years, and I'm just happy that I'm uh extended the opportunity to take place in um operate the uh Clam Shack at Will you be operating it yourself? Do you have staff? Um So, so I will be operating it personally myself as much as I possibly can. I do have a a current running business that

we operate throughout the state, Connecticut, um Massachusetts. So, I will be there as much as I possibly can myself in the beginning stages to get it up and running. And I do have uh probably about like 15 uh days that I will be there personally on the weekends, um whether it be Sunday or Saturday. Um that's to be decided. I'm not exactly sure of that, but I do have a multitude of staff that are highly qualified,

highly trained um to perform the duties of uh the Clam Shack.

Can you give us just a quick summary?

I'm sure you don't have everything planned yet, but on a menu, what what are you looking to feature? Yeah. Yeah, so that that's perfect. That's that's perfect. Pretty easy for me. So, I'm just going to keep it for when I'm not there, I'm going to keep it simple. I'm going to simplify it a little bit just so that Simple is good. Yeah, no mistakes or anything like that. So, it's going to be clam cakes,

clam chowder. I'm going to use Blount clam chowder.

Um if it makes a difference to anyone, I'm going to use Blount clam chowder. Um I just find it a little bit easier. Um no complaints or anything.

I like my clam cakes crispy, but not burnt. Yes. You can make a note. Yes, yes. But, no, I'm I'm kidding. Uh welcome, and thank you for stepping forward. Thank you. Thank you.

And uh anything we can do to help, uh just let us know. Good luck. Obviously, you'll schedule a grand opening cuz I know the mayor likes the ribbon cutting.

Yes. So, we'll have that. And you're a local person. You have family ties here, which is absolutely great. I'm happy.

I feel bad for the former company, but it's great that we now have a local person, you know, at a local venue, historical venue there. And I wish you nothing but the best success, and and I'll even come down and buy the Council President his clam cakes.

Thank you. I appreciate it. I'll have um the East Providence Post there to verify that cuz that may not happen.

But, thank you, and good luck. Stay in touch. Thank you, Council. Good luck to you. Congratulations. Congratulations.

Next item, please. Number two, resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for the South Broadway and Martin Street utility improvements and paving project.

Councilman Is this different from what we did earlier?

Oh, the actual work. Okay. Councilman Fogarty and Council President Rodericks.

Make a motion to approve. Second. Motion by Councilman Fogarty, seconded by Councilwoman Souza to approve. All in favor. I. Any opposed? The eyes have it.

Thank you. Next item.

resolution of the City Council in support of fully funding state aid libraries to full 25%.

Council President Rodericks. I motion to approve.

Motion by Councilwoman Souza to approve this, seconded by Councilman Fogarty.

All in favor. I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you. Number four, resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with True North Civil for construction of grant funded right-of-way improvements in a portion of Taunton Avenue associated with One Neighborhood Builders Center City Apartments development. Council President Rodericks.

Again, this is the contract work uh for the right-of-way improvements that uh that are needed. Um I think the funding has been previously approved. This is nothing additional.

It's It's grant It was grant funded, right? Any comments? Is there a motion?

Motion to approve.

Second. Motion Council Vice President Rego, seconded by Councilwoman Souza.

All in favor. I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Number five, resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with VHB, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., VHB, for engineering and project management services associated with the city's US.

Smart Grant project. Council President Rodericks. Again, uh the the grant funded this project. That's a mouthful of for the names, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. Um and they're ready to move forward.

So, Mike, if I could through the chair, uh this is um just for the traffic signaling lights, correct? This doesn't involve any other like pedestrian light pedestrian walkway signals. It's strictly for the traffic signaling.

I read the Yeah, I have it here.

Um I just wanted to make sure and this is Certain traffic signals in the Warren Avenue Broadway area. So it's very specific Yeah. Um traffic signaling.

Yes.

As indicated in the the backup, it it it indicates where those signals are. Yeah, is So there this company is going to have that data. Is that data going to be shared with the police department? Is that something that we'll have access to?

I'll have to get back to you on that. I don't know the answer. Okay. All right, it wasn't clear in the um in the in the language if the city was going to have any rights to any of that data. Um so yeah.

I can find out. All right, that would be that would be great. Thank you. And then I Um I did see that there was going to be training um for up to four you know, city employees to to learn I guess about um this device. So I'm assuming that must mean that we're going to have some say. I don't know if Must be a way to I think it was for operating the signals,

to learn how to Right, so just wondered case there is a problem or they had to adjust it if there were an accident.

Right right.

All right, yeah, if you could just that would be great to I'll probably give you give you contact directly. Yeah, that's perfect. All right, thank you. With that I make a motion to approve because as I've been championing safety um throughout the city um especially in these high traffic areas um in the center of the city.

Um I'm glad to see that we're working towards finding other alternatives to keep the traffic flowing. Um but you know, we still have a lot to do especially when it comes to pedestrians and cycling. So I'm looking forward to that next phase.

Motion by Councilwoman Souza, seconded by Council um Councilman Fogarty and Council Vice President Rego. All in favor. I. I. Any opposed? The eyes have it.

Introduction of ordinance with discussion and possible vote. Number one, an ordinance and amendment of chapter 10 of the revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998 as amended entitled nuisances amending section 10-51-10 changing start time for construction or repair of buildings from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Councilman Fogarty. Yes. Councilman. Thank you.

Not much to say except that we have people that want to work early.

And um we negotiated I tried for 6:00 a.m.

Those that are watching, the builders and the landscapers, but uh we tried we went for 6:30 because uh I think that's a good time and uh there's work is on site as early as 5:00 prepping for this kind of work.

I was a landscaper back in the day starting at 5:30 in the East Side of Providence.

And I know Providence is earlier, so I would hope I have Council support on this. I make a motion.

I would support. I do have a question.

Is this any kind of work? If if your neighbor wants to have a leaf blower at 6:30 in the morning?

And you already know they're working on Mary Road early that No, no, I I'm in general. I mean construction. I mean By construction do we mean I would I would company put it in for companies of construction phases.

So I wouldn't think that would be a local neighbor landscaper.

Yeah.

Well, I think we'd have to defer I think we could Yeah.

So motion is by Councilman Fogarty. Is there a second?

I second the motion.

Second, Council Vice President Rego. But just for discussion. Yeah, just for discussion cuz I think it's a tough balance Yeah. with the time. Um I think as you mentioned, Councilman, there are plenty of businesses, landscaping, and can definitely construction who are out early and they have to get their day started uh especially in when we don't have the sunlight and the days end early. So um I agree

that allowing them to be able to start um I do have concerns about them in the residential area only because people are again sleeping. So the and that's more so just to be perfectly transparent the younger generation, right, who don't get up at 4:00 a.m. typically. Um so Yeah, there's going to right right. So we may we may be eliciting some phone calls if and when this passes, but it is what

it is, right? It's a it's a tough balance. It's an early day for a lot of people. I mean I have birds waking me up at 4:30 in the morning besides my Chuck, which is Chuck this week. He's Charlie, but sometimes he's Chuck. And you know, there there is a lot of people that are up early planning and working. And I know people that worked at 3:00 to well, I worked all the shifts. I worked every

shift there was. So I thought about it. It was asked by a builder.

And and I think it was a very legitimate question for those that work early in the morning. And 6:30 is not that bad. I mean the trash is by my house our house earlier than that.

Picking up yard debris and the and some of some of the dumpsters are being emptied earlier than that.

Yeah, no, I So I mean I felt it was a a good request and and the staff that they have are on site ready to work and rather than be paid to just wait for the time they can get started. Yeah, I don't disagree. I think I think it is. I'm I'm just voicing there'd be that many, but if there is I I would have that answer as respectful

as I could give them at that it work to be done. No, agreed. Well, and like any other ordinance um if it becomes a big problem, we'll revisit it. Later in the day. It's hot if they can Oh yeah, midday is is awful to be out there. I feel bad. They can wind it down earlier, that would be good, too.

There's few ways to look at it and answer people with concerns. Yeah.

Yeah, no, I don't agree. I support I support the ordinance um but I do know for some it will be uh an issue, but Yeah, I don't think there's that many using it either, Councilwoman. I mean there I'm sure there there would be some companies right away, but I don't you know, I don't see it being a Yeah, I don't think it's an issue really probably with the bigger developments or builders because

they're usually in areas. I think getting um maybe clarification from the city solicitor as to if this ordinance cuz it's not here in its entirety um if this really just is specific to construction or if other things like landscaping and such um is affected by this cuz I know the taking out dumpster picking up dumpster trashes historically I've had people call because it's been too early and they've had to notify um

the companies and tell them you can't come by at certain times because it doesn't fall within the ordinance. So I just want to make sure that everybody's aware if it does branch out into something else, which I think is just a reasonable question. I don't have the answer in front of me. But I'll I'll get that answer before the next public hearing.

Okay. I I think I discussed just with Councilman Fogarty that 6:30 is uh is a good compromise and um with the way business and everything and we as a city I've been very fortunate that uh in the northern part of the you know, city right now the street cleaners have been out. People are very happy with that and street I got one call the street street cleaners out there by

at least 6:30 cuz I was coming back from the gym at about quarter of 7:00 this morning and and he was down on Miller off of Pawtucket. So and I know when they hit my street. So we as a city is out there. I think uh I don't think anybody's going to really uh abuse the situation. I think it just gives those contractors time to get their equipment there cuz if we wait

till 7:00, then by the time they start going and dropping off things it's as Councilman Fogarty and time is money and and the way the margins are small so tight in every business that I think we're just helping it be a user-friendly uh situation.

All right, so we have a motion and a second. All in favor. I.

I. Any opposed?

Is there a motion to adjourn? Adjourn commission. Motion Councilwoman Souza, Council everybody else. Second is all in favor.