East Providence City Council 4/7/26

I don't need much instruction.

Good evening and welcome to the Provident City Council meeting of April 7th 2026.

Uh Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll of the council? Councilman Fogerty? Here.

Councilman Lawson? Here. Council Vice President Rigo? Here. Councilwoman Souza?

Here.

Council President Rodrigues? Here. The record show there is a quorum. All five members are present. Thank you.

Please rise for the pledge of allegiance.

Thank you all. Madam Clerk, if you want to begin the reading of the agenda.

Proclamations and presentations. Number one, St. Margaret's girls basketball, Cal State champions.

Division two. Council Vice President Rigo? I would ask the Council Vice President to please make their presentations from the podium.

Good evening. I'd like to welcome the St. Margaret's girls team to the City Council. Uh this is the second St.

Margaret's girls team. Last year there was another winner.

Uh and I've been fortunate in my term as council uh being on the City Council between the boys Rumpole Little League teams and the girls St. Margaret's teams, I've been able to give out a lot of presentations. Uh I was follow I follow you uh I follow the school cuz I'm a proud alumnus of St.

Margaret's School as well as having to uh two boys that went through there. And, uh, on a Sunday afternoon, I saw, uh, Miss Miss Mrs. Cooney's post, and, uh, I called Mrs. Cooney. I don't want to refer to her, you know, by her first name, but Mrs. Jan Cooney, and I said, "I got to bring these girls in cuz it's a great accomplishment for what you did." And, uh, again, it's you served the parish and

the school very well, and at this time, I want to I'll start calling you up. You can come up here and get your proclamation, and we also have one with the Miss, uh, the mayor's office, Andre Herrera, will give you one at the same time.

But, again, uh, good luck. I hope to see you, uh, well, I hope to be back here next year, and I hope that you I hope that you'll be back here next year with that, and, uh, have a great rest of your school year, and whatever sports are you do during the spring and summer, you have a good time, and, uh, again, it's always great to bring, uh, back my alma mater to the City Council.

Audrey O'Connor

Audrey okay.

Georgie McCrain

Nicole Mao

Emma Bolan

Charlotte Ford

Stella Morris

Riley Mahoney

Katrina Pipena I I'll go.

What's up?

She couldn't make it. Okay.

Just go.

Kaya Kaya, here's your Yeah, this is Kaya, here's yours. So, all right. All right.

And the last two are the coaches. So, obviously, uh, you know, having volunteered and coached at, you know, at the CYO level, and anybody who's given their time, I just want to say thank you for what you people do as far as coaching. I obviously you have careers, you have families, and the dedication you got to do, and, uh, it's not an easy thing to take the time out of, you know, your daily businesses and

family life, uh, coaches today, you know, should be complimented even more because of the world we live in, and, uh, I I commend the coaches for, you know, volunteering in their time and service. Uh, the first coach is Coach Kevin O'Connor.

And huge Coach Eugene McCrain

So, we got him for the guards. Okay. So, Andy, you want to get some pictures?

All right.

Did you guys win the St. John's tournament, too? We got second.

So, I left these girls a few games.

They're very good team.

Thank you all for coming.

Madam Clerk, next item.

Consent calendar for discussion and possible vote. A council journals, regular meeting minutes, March 3rd, 2026, and March 17th, 2026.

Is there a motion for the minutes? Yeah, make a motion.

journals Second. Motion by Councilman Fogarty, seconded by Councilman Lawson.

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

Next item.

Letters, new address, 1050 South Broadway, East Providence, Rhode Island, 02914, map 207, block 11, parcel 001.00.

Motion? Isn't this all part of the consent? Don't we approve it all at once?

Oh.

Not the letters, yeah.

Okay. I make a motion. Second.

Motion, Councilman Fogarty, seconded by Councilman Lawson. All in favor? I. I.

Any opposed?

The eyes have that. Thank you.

Licenses for discussion and possible vote.

Non-public hearing, special event, one-day entertainment license, 4th of July, City of East Providence, 201 Mercer Street, July 3rd, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

to 11:00 p.m.

One-day entertainment license, Alyssa Cataract for food trucks, DJ, photographer, inflatables, May 2nd, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

One-day entertainment license, annual fees, Sandra Melo, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity, July 19th, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

One-day entertainment license a relay and DJ, Sandra Morgan, for the American Cancer Society, May 30th 2026, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

One-day alcohol license, annual fees Sandra Melo, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity July 19th, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Block party, Alyssa Cataract, Riverside Little League, May 2nd, 2026, 8:00 a.m.

to 2:00 p.m.

Block party, Chris Coona Jinks Lodge 24, Crescent Park, July 25th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Block party, Rebecca Chase, City of East Providence July 3rd, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Road race, Claire Akin UOI Kettle Point LLC DBA Grey Matter Marketing September 12th, this is actually going to be in the morning. At the time, we didn't have, um, a time, but it starts first thing, 8:00 a.m.

New mobile food truck, Thomas Harvey Bitter Sweet LLC, 23 Aldrich Avenue, Cranston. New mobile food truck, Kevin Palumbo, Mommy's Ice Cream Delights, 6 of Providence.

Does anyone have any questions on any of these individual? Make a motion to approve. Second. Uh excuse me, I make a motion to bundle.

Uh do do do through 11.

1 through 11.

Motion by Councilman Lawson to bundle the items as read, 1 through 11, and it's seconded by Councilwoman Souza. In favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. So, a motion to approve Motion to approve 1 through 11. Same motion to approve by Councilman Lawson, seconded by Councilwoman Souza. For approval, all in favor? Aye.

Aye. Any opposed?

The ayes have those. Thank you.

Congratulations, you're all set, sir.

Well, Thank you.

You're good. Thank you, buddy.

Next item, Madam Clerk.

Public comment.

Comment Sorry.

Public comment. Councilman Lawson.

All right. So, we ready with the Hometown Heroes Banner Initiative. Um rolling it out. I'll read um So, this came about to our re-Jessup, uh great townie. She brought this to the Veterans Advisory Committee, and um we finally got it rolling. We're ready.

People can um uh start purchasing a banner to honor a loved one. Uh I just want to read the first uh two paragraphs of the press release she wrote for us.

Uh these Providence Veterans Advisory Committee proudly announces the launch of the Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program in the city of East Providence.

The East Providence Veterans Advisory Committee is made up of local veterans, military and veteran service organizations, members of the City Council, brother Frank, and the city's Veteran Services and Community Health Coordinator working together to support and uplift those who have served. As a committee, we are grateful to the City Council for their early and ongoing support and bring this project to

fruition. Um so, if folks are interested, we got the press release is going out, and we encourage anybody.

It's $100 um for the banner. We're going to put them up various locations, Riverside, Rumford, Center EP, I believe we talked about Warren Ave and Taunton Ave.

Um the Veterans Advisory Committee with task to honor and advocate for veterans, and this is our way of honoring them.

And I just want to personally thank you guys. You've been nothing but amazing in supporting veteran causes.

Um we see what's going on in the world, and if we're going to send them out there um and put them in danger, we damn sure better take care of them when they come home. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your strong support. And I hope anybody with interest uh takes a part of this awesome program. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. It's been a lot of hard work, a lot of people on on this.

Through the chair, if I could just Yes, Councilwoman. Thank you. Um Councilman, could you give us some information or tell us where we can find the information if those are interested?

posted it on our social media site. It has the link to the form that people can use to sign up. Um maybe there's a reporter in the crowd that wouldn't mind. You're the man.

Um so, there if anybody's got any questions, they can reach out to me at [email protected].

I'd be more than happy to assist, and um I'm excited. It's going to be nice.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you, everyone. Next item.

Heather Andre.

Welcome.

Hi, everybody. Thank you. I am Heather Andre.

Uh you may have heard that I'll start right in.

You may have heard that notices were sent out by Sage Marshall Medacom Properties to inform abutters of the Medacom Properties soil remediation investigation is complete. The letter states public comment will be spent will be open 14 days from the April 2nd from April 2nd, the date on the letter.

Abutters did not start receiving the letters until April 4th. The information regarding the remediation plan has to be accessed by one, email, where DEM contact could not be made for over the the weekend, losing 4 days of the 14 days allotted.

Snail mail, which considering it was the weekend and adding the mailing time, would probably be 6 days just to be delivered to just to be delivered to Hannah Mitchell, the contact person at DEM.

KMG has talked to some abutters, and we believe a city meeting to explain the soil soil remediation plan to the abutters and to the public in general would be in the best interest of everyone involved. Pierce Field is considered an abutting property.

Spring is here, and now the practices and games have started.

The playground is and splash pad will be chalk-full soon enough. Also, these kids have at least one practice and one game a week. A temporary abutter, if you will. Not present all the time, but on a schedule that results in spending hours at Pierce Field weekly.

The city of East Providence was informed as an abutter as an abutter, and the people using that abutting land have every right to be informed about hazardous chemical hotspots next door, and how and when remediation will begin without having to jump through hoops to find out the information.

Please keep in mind the archaeological survey is underway on the Medacom land, and also includes digging on the land.

Marshall's implemented certain conditions if one wants to be digging or observing on the land, which include taking a 40-hour OSHA course and wearing a hazmat suit.

Wearing hazmat suits versus a baseball uniform right across the street. Think about that for a second.

KMG requested a public meeting be coordinated before public comment ends on April 26th now because KMG requested the 10 10-day extension, and it was approved by DEM.

The city does have an obligation to protect the public. Although informed in early 2025 of the initial hazardous chemical release, as an abutter, East Providence never said a word to the public, and at that time there were 80 to 90 hotspots.

Only when the DEM human criteria limit more than doubled did the number of hotspots drop to only three.

This is not about the land. It is about air quality and the health of the people breathing in the contaminants.

The EPWC does not have a jurisdiction over the air, so it seems the EPCC can actually get involved without crossing any perceived land boundaries.

Worth mentioning is the L-shaped not yet donated land by by Medacom by Marshall Properties also has to have the chemical numbers released and an archaeological survey performed. Another catch-22 situation, where if EP accepts the land now, all expenses for those two services would have to be paid by EP. But delaying the donation lets Marshall Medacom Properties make all the decisions

involving RI Energy's new tower plan, and whatever green open space is not destroyed, East Providence gets.

Seems like East Providence gets screwed either way.

I have sent letters to Hannah from DEM and the EPWC also asking for a public meeting in a timely manner.

Thank you. Heather Andre.

Thank you, Heather.

We did get get your letter today, and I'm going through that, so certainly I will respond, and I think we all will.

I've asked the administration tell us why the land hasn't been transferred yet but it's been over a year. I was kind of surprised when I heard that it hasn't been It it Yeah. We don't get these updates, so. J- just so ev- everyone knows regarding that specific item, um when a- as we know the the deed transfer hasn't officially taken place, but it will have to take place if I'm I'm sure

it will. It let's just say it doesn't, that stops everything on that property.

They can't build uh um a toothpick. The zoning gets, you know, canceled. So, they they will have to convey the deed as was promised. You know, as far as why it, you know, they're working on the details of it now, but um can't build on it. It is ours. It is deeded will be deeded to us. And let's just say for some reason um the owners were to renege and say they were reneging, well, that ends

their project. They can't build anything. So, don't worry about that part of it. It may be taking longer than we all want, but there are protections, and we will watch for them.

Yeah, we just want to know why it's not happening. Uh question, Mr. President.

Yes, sir. To the legal counsel, uh that that property now is under the jurisdiction of the Waterfront Authority.

Yes. Okay.

Can you draft a letter to their legal counsel asking them to uh pursue the reason why the city has not been deeded that property as of today? So, the co- So, I have been after Miss um Miss Seals, I'm sorry. Miss Seals, that came to the council I think 2 weeks ago or 3 weeks ago. I reached out to their legal counsel uh uh the developer's legal counsel um asking for an update of where they were.

Um Council President called me today and Let me talk about two issues. One, the deed restriction has been drafted and for the golf course has been drafted and it's been given to me. It was given to me last week.

Um I'm reviewing that. I haven't had a chance to actually look at it a little more carefully, but it's an important restriction, so I want to make sure it's correct. Um So, that is in the process and I'm also going to have the waterfront councils lawyer look at it to make sure that um it's you know sufficient. Which I believe it will be, but we just we have opportunity to comment on as

well. As far as the the the 9-acre land We there is no there is no question that they intend to give that to us and again, as long as it's in their hands, they're paying taxes on the property right now. If it's given to the city, uh there are no taxes on that property.

However, there were some concerns raised by the administration uh as to in what condition it's going to be given to us.

If it's going to be a fence put around it first to separate it from our from from their development property to make sure that people are not running across it. There are other issues. So, it's not uh they in talk with the legal counsel, they fully intend to give us the land.

They're required under the zone change to give us that portion of the land. Um the legal counsel has requested a meeting with me uh and the developers within the next 2 weeks to go over how we're going to do this and so it is it is in the process.

There is nothing nothing nefarious about it. Um I don't know exactly when they got the development plan approval by the waterfront commission. I think it was several months ago, if not more. I don't know.

Um I don't I don't follow that as I do I do not know. If I if I knew Miss Seal, I would say I would know, but so I am not concerned one bit. The land will be turned over. You will have to accept the deed uh you'll by resolution and you will be fully notified when that occurs and you'll have a resolution on the docket.

So, this is nothing but typical delays and you know, again, it's 9 acres. So, it should happen soon now that it's brought to your attention.

It should happen hopefully soon, yes.

Thank you.

So, just to follow up on uh a couple of comments that you made. Um one of the hold-ups as the solicitor mentioned is having a property line boundary set up in what that may look like, whether it's um organic material or otherwise. Um but I do think in addition [clears throat] to the list of things that the administration is requesting in that um before that deed goes out that testing

that land just like the rest of the property is being spot tested, I think is important. The city should know what type of um soil and contaminants may be in that area prior to us taking ownership of it.

Something else, I'll work with planning on that. I would like for that to be something that is um done.

I think the council would probably agree that's an important part not only for the community who'll be using that area um more so than a property boundary line. As you know, the land has uh towers on it, two towers, and it's it's it has to be open space. So, it's from my understanding when it was presented to us, it's passive open space. There's not going to be there's no room for

fields. It's basically a walking trail basically. That's all it's going to be.

So. Right, but we should know what the what's in the soil that, you know, animals are going to be there, kids are going to be playing.

And I think they're required, right, to to Well, the I think they're required A lot of what's going on now.

spots, right? Not necessarily like you have to do this Yeah, samples. Right, so they could do it over the the city's deeded property all together and us never know. So, I think I know that the city I'm requesting that the city's section one or two, however many spots that we feel confident with, should be tested and the council should be informed by Sage as long as along with the abutters.

Sure, that's something that we'll have to pay for and I'll work with Keith on that. So. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Yeah, quickly. Sure, if you can be quick.

Yep. Not too quick, you know, say what you want.

But not too long.

So, I just want to remind everybody that there is an archaeological survey going on in that land and included in that land is that L-shaped thing, which they but it's not included.

It's not included in the archaeological survey. So, when What Island Energy is going to um make new foundations for the thing, they have to be they have to has to be in little blocks, soil remediated and there should be a representative of uh one of the indigenous tribes right there to to see that. However, the restrictions of that Marshall's has put out has hindered a little bit um some of the

the tribal preservation officers' ability to be there.

You know, with the OSHA and then they were in hazmats. Now, and keep in mind that no one had informed the archaeologists, the the indigenous people working, observing the land, the the golfers, the landscapers about any of that for how many months? 4 months?

And that's that's that's terrible. So, I do not want that happen to happen again and so I'm just reiterating that I think the the community meeting should be in in a timely manner. And it should be set up so that anybody that has any questions about that any of the land should should uh have answers. That's it. Yep, okay.

Makes sense.

Perfect.

Next item. Skyla Lewis and Anna Lucia.

Um hello everyone. My name is Anna Lucia Garcia Warnes. Um I'm a stroke neurologist at Rhode Island Hospital.

I'm here to just briefly introduce introduce a new clinical trial that hopefully will be running here in East Providence. It's going to be here with the fire department and with Brown University and Brown University Health.

Um the purpose of this trial is to try to detect early big clots in the brain that can cause strokes and the way we're going to try to do that, it's with a specific type of device that goes on your head, which is a helmet. Um it will take less than a minute really for the EMTs to place and it could help us diagnose that earlier and triage the patients better to a tertiary hospital.

So, on the next meeting, we'll be talking about how the trial works and we'll love to hear your suggestions or recommendations. Thank you. Just a question. Do they need any kind of authorization from us? No, it's What what Oh, is this just for a public When the request first came in and I had referred it first to the fire chief because they would be deeply involved and then we just we also talked with our resident um

medical person, Councilwoman Souza, and she's going to help. We we'll have a little more in-depth at the next meeting. But the fire chief said it would be a great thing, a big help. So, it can happen. So, it can happen. So, they're going to just give us a more in-depth presentation and it's uh something to help the community medically.

Yeah, so the big thing because we would be putting the helmets before the patients can actually give us consent and we'll ask for the consent when they get to the hospital. We just need to talk to the community. The ethics committee at the university requires that and that's the purpose of bringing this to attention.

what I wrote. Okay, absolutely. I welcome it. Not to interject to the chair.

I do you have an age group that you're targeting or is it No, so it's anyone who's above 18 years of age and that has any kind of stroke-like symptoms in East Providence. That's that's very important. Thank you. Um I'll be looking forward to it. Great idea. I think it's awesome. This is huge. Having had relatives in the past that suffered strokes and our East Providence rescues,

EMTs do a great job. So, are they going to have this helmet on the truck? Yes.

So, we'll be providing the helmets to the fire department and within a minute, they'll be able to place it to the patients and then the brain waves are going to capture that on route to the hospital. And so, they'll be And that'll be the purpose of the next meeting.

We'll have all this information at that meeting.

Save your questions, in other words.

All right.

Good.

Thank you so much.

Thanks for coming. Glad you came. Thank you.

Yeah, it's a win-win for for us. Next item.

Appointments. Number one, appointment of Grant Webber Rosencroft to the City Council Crescent Park Carousel Commission. So, I'll make a motion to approve, but I still want to let you guys know, we got like four or five openings. So, if any other council members have some names, just bring them forward. Andy likes that you have them fill out the online onboard. Um but there are still some openings and is

always looking for people that are willing to come help out the carousel, set up for events. And so, I will make a motion to appoint Grant and um [clears throat] that's my motion. Motion to approve.

Yeah, seconding. Okay, so the motion and on the motion, just um again, to reiterate because I did get some phone calls from people that were interested also and yes, there there are openings. There there are at least four, I I believe. Well, maybe five.

May maybe five, so this isn't the only appointment Mhm. being made and it does not go specifically by a ward. Each council member can have a couple of appointments. It's meant to branch out throughout the city. So, bring your nominations, forward. We have plenty of motions. All in favor? Question on this. Yeah, sorry.

Question.

question is there's all looking at that commission right now and there's alternates. Why aren't cut like the first alternate being doesn't slide up into the position that's vacant right now to become a permanent member? That's my only question. That's the way most of Well, unless they're nominated, they're not automatic. They're they're there to vote if they need a quorum, right?

saying, you know, had did they have the opportunity to take this position?

way that it works is yes, when there's an opening they can move up. The reason for the alternates is as you know, boards and commissions it's hard to get a quorum.

So, you have your your voters and then the alternates step in when there's people that aren't at the meeting. So, all the alternates were given the opportunity to take this vacant position.

Yes, there's a meeting every month of the Carousel Commission that's open for the public and they discuss all these openings. All right, that was the chair.

That's my only question.

chair. Yes, councilman. Are you on the commission?

Am I on the commission? No, I am not.

So, are we aware of the alternates and how many there are? Yes. There's a list.

the I am the council representative.

Yes. You're on the commission?

I am the council representative and if you go on the website point though, but you should have waited for the the meeting quorum for the people that are alternates to be responsible and respect And this came from the Carousel No, but this appointment came from the Carousel Commission.

I understand.

Did the alternates have a chance to be present during a meeting to have the opportunity on the list they're on?

It's a waiting list.

Yes, they can move up if there's an opening. So, did they did all of them have like that's a valid question.

Were they all notified? And I'm telling you guys that's They all had a chance to say they they wanted to or didn't want to.

This came to me from the Carousel clerk.

Okay. And that's what they presented to me.

clerk?

Tracy Johnson has been for decades.

Okay.

Mhm.

All right. They I'm going to let you guys know when the next meeting is so you guys can attend. I understand.

Okay. I know how processes work, but I would think that the waiting list would be first.

Um Okay. I think if if the person is interested, um so the alternatives may not want a full-time position in the That's usually what happens. You got some people that they just want to be there so they can help set up for events.

say if any alter any Is there someone specific that's upset about this? I'd be happy to talk to them. I'd be more than willing to giving it any recognition. I think it's a valid question. Um I'm good. Go ahead.

Move on. So, motion and second. All in favor? I.

I. Any opposed? The eyes have it.

Unanimous.

Okay, first I would like to make a correction. It's not that Andy likes to have them fill out the application, it's actually the protocol.

You actually have to fill out an application up And who set that protocol? That's how they get so That's how the applications come in. They fill out the application. It's on the city website and they and that's all the commissions and boards. They actually fill out the application. All the information is up put it into the system and then I get notified that someone applied for it. And then I would forward

it to whoever's in charge of that commission or board.

Correct. And that's throughout the whole city.

Well, we we've had nomination. We can put anybody up without having to go through that. I think I think the administration, when we changed form of government initiated that type of a process so that they would receive all of the applicants citywide for anything and then contact people. So, I think that's where it stemmed from.

It would be nice if the council had access to that list also.

Um through It's all public.

I I get forwarded all the time. I've gotten the vet because I'm the liaison for the Carousel and the veterans. Uh those get forwarded to me.

So, the onboard system is electronic system anybody can apply. If you're applying to a commission that's a council appointee, then when you apply the the we apply for that position, the the the contact for that council or the for that commission where it be a council member or the mayor's office gets the email that someone applied. So, when a council member when a council commission applies, you get the email

and it gets forwarded to I guess Tracy or to the council to the council. So, that So, this is this is a this was electronic streamlined We understand that, Mike, but we appointed Baptiste the last time and he didn't he it was actually done and then he was told, "Oh, you got to fill this out."

cuz we the process there really no no names should come before anybody until they fill out the application. That's the purpose of the application. It tells us where they live, how they get contacted, when we have to give them ethics forms if they're necessary.

Right, but if any member of this council wants to make an appointment they don't necessarily need to have them go through that. It's good to have the information for the contact but it shouldn't be a requirement to get an appointment.

That that I mean that I I know that's the system that has been set up that the Is there legislation that says that's what I I got no problem with that. We're arguing over silly stuff, but a law. It's contacted from the It's a policy. Right.

I get contacted by the ethics commission every year to on every public person who's on the board.

Right. Yeah, we all get those. name and address. Yeah.

What everyone that's on it. No, I absolutely understand the need for that info. Yes, and so that's why it's all up there and it has to be public. It's It's It's an ease of administration to make it centralized. That's the only purpose of it. It's a policy that's been in place since I've been the solicitor when they adopted the program.

So, anyone has any anyone who wants to be on any commission, direct them to apply. City website and it's boards and commission and then [clears throat] you can apply.

It'll tell you what's open and uh And it is pretty clear. I've heard people say or sometimes on social media, "Boy, how you you know, how do you know about these things?" We It's very very clear, transparent on the on the web. Whoever's putting the web together does a good job with it and so the the information is there. So, I think we did have the vote and it was approved 5-0. Okay.

Next item. Council members, number one Oldham building on Bullock's Point Avenue, Councilman Lowe.

So, this is I put a resolution. We spent $200,000 for an assessment of the building and it's been I haven't heard nothing going forward. So, um I have a resolution just asking that the city move forward on what needs to be done. Um we've discussed everything that can be used for that property. It is a city-owned building, so it's absolutely appropriate that the city take care of it.

So, my resolution, I don't know if you guys want to bring it up for a vote now.

Just asking the administration, we you got the assessment, what is the next step? And that's the intent of that resolution to just We've been sitting patiently. I don't know how many times I've been asking for next step and so I figured a resolution may have a little bit of teeth to it to kind of get the next step going. So, So, let me ask Andre Herrera to come forward at this

time and so the councilman is is saying and I know we did receive there was an 80-page uh which was listed as a final report from the consultant. So, what is the next step? All right. Well, good evening councilors.

Uh part of mayor's communication was an update on the RFQ that we sent out for Oldham. Uh so, if we can move Why don't you do that now? We can move that up. All right, I will give the update. So, since the last council meeting, the RFQ process is closed. We received one submission and the administration's currently reviewing the proposal and the submission. We're going to sit down with a developer to see if

if that is something we would like to see, but the mayor what he really his vision is a small business incubator in Oldham and that has been his goal since 2022 when it was passed a a resolution that would be the mission to get a small business incubator there. So, we are that is still the goal of the mayor and when this property was transferred over from the school committee in 2023

you know, that was part of the intent was that we were going to find a use case for it and we want to bring small businesses here. So, um you know, that's that's what the mayor So, in in terms of procedure and the the very next step, so you you've explained where it where it is now.

The mayor through you or the mayor himself will then present to the council what you think about the RF Yes, [snorts] we'll present the findings. I mean, nothing It has to come here.

unless it goes before the council. It's still a city-owned building that we have to fix. Of course, and that's why we did the feasibility study.

You're talking about a developer. We're not giving up this property. So, the It's been The mayor was able to secure federal funding for the feasibility study.

And in the feasibility study, it shows on page 59 and there was a link in the mayor's communication that shows that there is a $24 million cost associated with renovating the air with renovating the space and getting it up to par and that's the realistic reality of the situation and the mayor is aware of that. So, we we know that there are some issues with the building, but we want to encourage more

development and encourage investment and proposals. So, we don't want to scare away any developers, but that is the reality of the situation and that's all outlined in the feasibility study for everyone.

study was garbage.

It came back saying eight apartment buildings because the mayor it wasn't supposed to be a housing project.

study was approved by the council and part Not for a housing project?

The feasibility see the feasibility of a business incubator and the business incubator is the mayor's priority. A small business incubator is he talking about putting eight apartment buildings on the property?

That's not what the mayor is talking about. He's talking He had a presentation, Andre.

He wants a small business incubator.

like to have a vote on this resolution.

Please.

So, uh Just asking that they uh tell us the next step to get the building up.

Well, Councilman, I mean, we already have the results. So, what's the next step? Next step [clears throat] is Are you going out to RFP to see what needs to be Let me go. Let me answer.

We may go again to RFQ. We have to evaluate the proposal and meet with the developer. We owe developers a meeting at least to talk to them and see what their What I'm saying is in the line.

They have the proposal, let's bring it to us. See what they So, I'm going to We haven't seen it, right? I'd like the resolution voted. If it gets voted down, so be it. When is the Council Vice President This has been going on for years.

Okay? When is the meeting with this developer?

I don't have the exact date, but it'll be soon. We'll get a meeting with them and we'll talk about it and the mayor will make a a determination and if it doesn't have a small business incubator piece, then we will probably go out to RFQ again and we hope and we want to encourage developers to submit proposals. So, you keep saying developers.

Hang on, let Small Vice President took the floor.

So, I'm trying to come up with a rational situation here and a compromise. Can you get this meeting put together by the end of this month and present it to us at our first uh at our first meeting in May?

We will provide regular updates as we've been doing on all them.

at several meetings.

But you have this you have this it came back from this one developer.

Can you schedule this meeting, sit down and obviously, it shouldn't take that long for what they submitted and sitting down with them.

I'm get a month and report back to us in the May meeting so that this situation we we know what what direction we're going in or potentially going in.

Yes, we'll definitely provide you another update. So, Wendy, can you put my resolution on for the first meeting of May?

So, I'll table it till the first meeting of May. Can you Can you sit And Can you Can please get the meeting with the developer who submitted this? I think this is fair to this council and fair to the taxpayers of the city. Council Vice President, I don't want I very rarely speak on behalf of the administration when I'm up here, but I will say that I had a very brief conversation with the

mayor and I and he was disappointed that we only got one request for proposals that were put after after having them be out for a while. So, again, the the plan is is to sit down with the the one developer to see if it's going to fit in. As far as the cost of repair and or whatnot, that was done in the feasibility study. So, It was also the cost of the

build out of the incubator space and so much other I'm asking for the HVAC system, doors and windows to get the thing open. You talk about wanting to use it for recreation.

And if we can't get that building up, we got problems.

All right? That's my point. It's a city-owned building. We have a buildings department. They should be able to go and say, "Okay, this is the HVAC. We got to fix it.

How much for that?"

is it shows that there are some hazards in the building that will cost significant money to remediate. Break it down what we need to get the building open for the public as opposed to the niceties of kitchens and all that stuff cuz that was part of the 24 million, whatever. In the resolution that passed in 2023, it was agreed that it is a city's mission to have a small business incubator.

Exactly, but the building has to be habitable to do that. Yes, and we want That's why we are going through this process. You You guys are dragging your feet cuz the mayor wants it to be housing. We we we want to give a fair chance for the RFQ to be heard and hopefully we get some more proposals walk through and had developers Bring us the RFQ final with the chair recommendations in the next meeting in

the in the month and we have done as far as physical requirements, we we have replaced the roof, right? So far.

So, now we're just waiting and I know that report talked about H-Vac and other things, but we can say that the roof is done.

So whoever comes into this building, if anyone, the roof part is done.

Councilman Fogarty I just wanted to add, you know, I have family members that are interested in the small incubator as the mayor suggested. So, I worked in that building many years ago. It does need a tremendous amount of money and the investment to it is important, but that small incubator that was originally proposed is important to residents that want to count on that.

And you know, whether it takes time or not, I'm still liking what I'm hearing.

I know it's disappointing, but that's the goal. We just need to move forward.

So, it seems like in in general terms, the next step is let's see what this RFQ brought in.

We may like it, we may not like it and then we'll go from there. Exactly.

Through the chair, if I could just have clarification, the monies that was allotted to this project and still remains available is money that was from COVID. We allocated a million and we put in 550.

But of course, the language said up to I've 30. It was 530. And because it said up to, they pulled the rest of that funding for other projects.

And that And that money was reallocated by the council. So, Again, this is nothing nefarious about it.

but it it's it's it's a game.

feasibility study which cost over $200,000 and was paid by federal money.

a grant. It was a grant. Which was never supposed to be about a housing project.

It was about small business incubator.

All right. I can do that.

Do we have Do we have an update potentially of when what money what we have left for That money has been reallocated for for that.

No, in general, unspent.

Oh, for ARPA money? We can ask Glenda for that. I wouldn't know that off the top of my head. As you know, all the money has to be spent by October. Right, that's why I'm Yeah, I believe it.

Thank you.

All right, we'll hopefully get a little closer next month.

Or or sooner if we have more information.

Next item. Do you want to read your other There's no motion.

No, there was no second. What do I What do you need from me legally to move this to the May meeting? I make a motion to table this to May May 5th. May 5th.

Yes.

Yeah, I make a motion to move my resolution asking the administration to finally move forward uh to May 5th. May 5th. Is there a second?

Second. Council Vice President Rego, all in favor, I. Any opposed, the eyes have it. 5-0.

Thank you.

If you want to um go back to the next item.

Council members, number two, update on community choice electric. Council Vice President Rego.

Thank you. Uh the solicitor provided you with the packet tonight. Uh Andre, you can talk about the solicitor Andre can talk about this.

I know that with the League of Cities and Towns, you've been working on this.

So, we are progressing forward with this plan. I mean, it takes time. We have to go through the PUC to get final authorization, but if you two gentlemen want to elaborate on this as to where the process is right now. So, Council Vice President, thank you for your interest in this program. So, I was fortunate enough to attend the uh Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns convention I

think a couple of weeks ago and this was one of the presenters of the community choice program.

Um I learned a lot. Uh so, the while the League is working on a hopefully a a a global one for that maybe many municipalities have or can join, they're not done with that process yet, but in individual cities and towns also have the ability to do so. And what the first step really is to choose a vendor to kind of negotiate and begin the process. So, the pamphlet that I put in front of you, I

think it's Was it Freedom Energy? I can't remember that what the pamphlet says. Council Vice President, what's that? The pamphlet Freedom Energy was it? Community choice free Yeah, They were once They were one vendor. They were they they do a small town in Massachusetts. Uh also at that same conference was the current provider in um in Providence. I can't remember the name of that company. Um if the council

wishes, we can have we can just invite either one or two or whatever into the to make a presentation. Um you then can make a choice of which vendor you want to choose. Uh, and then they they get the process moving forward. So, if that's what the interest of the council is at this point, um, we can certainly do that. I was not aware and I did learn that, um, these community choice programs have to be,

uh, approved by the PUC whether that's an opt-in or an opt-out program and apparently that takes a a lot more time than I thought it does, um, cuz it's an administrator review. So, I I don't know. I know that Dan had indicated he was working on one as well, but if you just want to hear from a vendors a couple of these vendors as to what it is, we can certainly set up a

workshop on on a meeting to have them make a presentation. My recommendation would be to invite this, um, firm back and and the other one that does Providence and see just for informational purposes and then you can either make a choice or or we can wait for the league and I haven't talked to Mr. Rossi as to where he's at.

I think we should move forward and get some presentations. I also I had communications with Andre and I I know you're busy and I don't know if you had the opportunity to reach out, but could you reach out to Brookline, Massachusetts and ask them who their vendor is because that's Brookline, Mass is the benchmark of, uh, this program in New England.

They were uh, probably one of the first, uh, cities and towns in the Commonwealth to, uh, get this program rolling and it's very successful. So, if you could reach please reach out to I don't know if Brookline has a mayor, city manager, whatever form of government they have up there. I'm not totally familiar obviously with their local city government, but reach out and find out who their vendor is and try to get them

down here cuz knowing having relatives that live in Brookline uh they're not just going with any company and it's very successful and they've also added a green aspect of this too, which is very important to me and I think to most people that, you know, green energy.

Uh, no, thank you, Vice President for that. I Additionally, I did meet with Randy Rossi on Monday.

Uh, the executive director of League of Cities and Towns and and he said that he's working on it as well and, uh, hopefully have another update for us next time we meet, but, um, if the league they have their own process and that's also going to be helpful. So, I'm I'm really happy to see council interest on this topic.

Yeah, so if you could reach out to Brookline and maybe if we can get their vendor and the new vendor that the solicitor talked about here and again knowing, uh, Salem, New Hampshire That was a Salem I was going to say that's a town of Salem, New Hampshire, I think.

Yeah, that's what I mean. Salem in knowing that area or knowing the people who live up there, they're not just they're going to be very picky as to who they choose. So, if you could reach out to Brookline and bring this vendor in, I think it would be a good start to have two of these companies in here. When do you want to do that assuming that we can

get them? Do you want to have a workshop or do you want to have a regular council meeting on that? I think a regular council meeting with, you know, everything coming up. I mean, I don't know again talking to everybody here, uh, if the second meeting in May it gives the vendors a little time too. Mr.

President, I don't want to step on your toes if you agree to that.

vendors have time to put something together by then.

The second meeting in May.

That would be May 19th.

I would say it's probably their call if they can Yeah, we'll try to they're available.

Yeah. I think they Time with me. I think they probably, you know, knowing the vendors and we're inviting them in. I think they'll want to come in.

So, yeah, May 19th, sir.

All right, thank you. Reach out.

Thank you, Councilman.

And to Vice President, appreciate it.

don't go too far.

Number three, update on trash and debris on railroad tracks in Ward One, Council Vice President Rego.

Andre uh can you, uh, I know the solicitor's been working on this, but we're having issues with the rail with Providence Worcester Railroad, which is now controlled by a corporation out of either Ohio or Michigan. It's one of the Midwest states.

Uh, and the debris and everything that's, you know, going on it they're not cleaning the tracks. Trees are falling into people's yards, especially around the Algonquin Road area. Uh, can you I know the solicitor did did some finding on there, uh, can you reach out to Congressman Amo's office and the Senators Reed and Whitehouse to get us some help on on this issue right here cuz obviously it's an interstate

issue and controlled by the federal government. It's beyond the pay grade of the of this city council and this city.

Uh, Yeah, but we need help. We need help from the We need help from our federal delegation on this. How can I help you?

It's happening in East Providence. It's probably happening in other cities and towns in Rhode Island.

No, I definitely would like to, learn more about this issue. I'm going to connect with our solicitor and, uh, if we have to reach out to federal government, then more than happy to do so. Mike's done a good job. I mean, you know, but you you I'll admit that I haven't done a great job cuz it's been very difficult to find out who they are.

been difficult. He He gets a phone number and he's talking to, you know, somebody and, uh, It's not Providence and Worcester.

Yeah, it's not No, it's uh, Genevieve Genevieve's and something It's a Midwestern company that owns it. The though they I think PNW is a subsidiary of them, but it's still active down the Dexter Point? The train? Does it run that far?

are rolling. Oh, the trains are all the time They go that far south still? They go all the way to I think now that the snow has melted and you can see the debris that was left over from the fall, we can certainly work on that and that's a good idea to contact the I get the emails at 6:00 in the morning saying that at 4:00 in the morning they they came by and

they hit the horn. So, I mean, you know, Not we can Yeah, so if we can work on that, the the debris is beyond, uh, since PNW became a subsidiary, it's not good to the neighborhood.

Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Thank you.

Thank you. Next item.

Number 11, public hearings ordinance for second and or final passage for discussion and possible vote. Number one, an ordinance an amendment of chapter 16 of the revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island 1998 as amended entitled taxation section one subsection B1 of section 16-16 entitled authority of city assessor of article two entitled property exemption

for veterans and persons 65 years of age and older is amended to update the following property tax exemptions based on the most recent reevaluations as follows.

I'll make a motion to approve pending the public hearing.

Motion has been made by Councilman Lawson, seconded by Councilwoman Souza.

Are other comments from the council?

First, hearing none, uh, it is open for a public comment. We've discussed this before. It's, uh, final passage is is kind of a housekeeping thing that aligns with the recent reevaluations of property.

And it's a win-win for everyone involved.

It just increases the exemption to to equal the amount that we have given them now based upon the new tax rate and the and the higher property values. That's all. It really is housekeeping. We want to make sure it wasn't So, I mean, it's a housekeeping aligns it properly. I'll ask once again, is anyone here that wants to speak on this?

Hearing none, we'll close the public hearing. We do have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

The ayes have it. Thank you all. Next item. Number 12, continued business show cause hearing, June Brothers 684 Bullock's Point, East Providence, Rhode Island. So, I was notified that they will not be coming back. Finish, uh, Oh, I'm sorry. All right.

Needed information, Rhode Island Department of Health, building and fire, tangible taxes and license fee.

Okay. Did you want to comment on that?

Just I was told by the carousel clerk that they're not going to be coming back.

Right. Mr. Solicitor, do you want to, um, update us? I haven't heard, um, there have been there have been some rumors. I don't want to about a potential bankruptcy. I'm not aware if they have filed or not and I don't I don't know that for you. If they do, um, I believe that their lease would be stayed for us and we wouldn't be able to act on that lease until we get relief

from the bankruptcy court, but I'm not so sure where we are with that, but if if if there is a bankruptcy stay, we're going to have to ask for relief. Uh, but we should from from the state to, um, to probably void the lease and then probably go out for an RFP to have people there.

Yeah, my my as far as like the license, we don't need Well, if I don't I mean, that's my point. They can't operate. Yeah, we can we can pass this off the agenda. We can take this off the docket.

Yeah, yeah. All right. And and my information from the carousel, um, management is that we've going out already for, um, a new RFP or new bid and they actually have You're looking for someone to do in the summer right?

I I I could sell hot dogs. There you go.

I'll check on that. I mean, I I was not aware of that. Thank you.

Right, that's not official, but that I've been told we have two very good local bidders.

If if there again, if there is a filed bankruptcy, we are not allowed to break their lease.

When's the lease up? That's a good question. I don't know. I think it I think obviously it was good through this year.

And off top of my head, didn't we wasn't it a couple years? I believe there was at least 3 years. So, I thought about They also back in December but if they don't have a valid license, does that void the lease? No, because the bankruptcy court has a totally different rule. When you're in bankruptcy court, these all come And again, I don't want to say they're in bankruptcy because I

don't know that but I have heard the rumors. Can is Can we do um I want to say make it a top priority but we're coming into summer soon. Can we kind of Yeah, I was I'm glad I I meant to call Well, that's why they've already moved the commission. It's just like but if I want to be some legal hold up, I'd rather Might be a legal hold up but then

I then I don't Right. So, legally we probably shouldn't say anymore. Yeah, exactly. I just that this will just pass off the agenda. Okay. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you all. It's not a good idea.

Next.

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

Hello again, counselors. Mayor communications, we have appointment reappointment requiring council confirmation. There are none.

Appointment reappointment not requiring council council confirmation. There are none. And some items that we have for announcement. Uh already gave the update on the results of the Oldham School RFQ and next we have a presentation from director of planning, Keith, here to talk about the East Providence Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan that has been provided to you all.

So, Keith, if you want to come up.

Welcome sir.

Well, thank you, members of the council.

Um I think presentation is a strong word for what I'm here for tonight. It's really just an introduction to the Safe Streets and Roads for All Plan that you have copies of here.

Um This is basically a study um a grant-funded study that was done um to analyze traffic safety in the community and come up with recommendations throughout the community.

Um The The goal with this is to come back at the next meeting, hopefully and ask for a resolution in favor of this plan um after you've had a chance to look at it.

We can have a more formal presentation at the next meeting if you'd like.

Do we have the opportunity to amend like if there's road diets that don't make sense?

Or is this The plan is the final plan but if there's road diets that don't make sense, we are free as a city not to do them.

Right, but as a council, can we adjust the resolution requesting changes?

Um If we got to vote on it.

I'm sure we could adjust anything. Yeah.

Okay. I just want to make sure we to us for a vote, we can Right. So, we can go through that if there's something that we question, we can bring it up.

Otherwise, if if if we have no choice, why would it come to us? So, this I just want to verify because those road diets went in without The goal The goal, too, is um we can apply for implementation funding to try to implement implement some of the things here in another month and a half or so.

So, the resolution from the council would help with that and to state some of the goals of the plan to reduce traffic fatalities by a certain percent.

Those sorts of things that are that are recommended in there.

Um Is it possible to um I mean, obviously this is like about a 2-in thick packet. Is it possible to get a summary at that meeting? I mean, we'll try I'll look through this but um if you can give us the CliffNotes version the CliffNotes version. next meeting have a brief presentation on it with with some of the highlights. Can we move this to the May 1st meeting cuz we got we Yeah,

cuz we have the the people from that were from Brown University coming in.

So, to give everybody their fair amount of time and we don't know what else could be sitting in front of us at the next day. Yeah, no, May 1st is is a reasonable And is this online for the public so they can look at it and then give us It's not yet but we can put it on there.

Yeah, that'd be appreciated so we could share it with the constituents to get their input.

Yes.

So, if if we could put this on the May 5th meeting so that we have time to go through it, digest it. May 5th, yes.

That sounds good. Thank you. And a nice haircut, too, Keith. Well, thank you.

Looks really nice.

Real quick with the chair. Yes. Uh Councilman Fogarty. You know, Keith, you don't get enough recognition for the time and effort you put in in your department. I really appreciate it. We do. Well, thank you. I appreciate it.

Yep, agreed. Thank you.

Next item.

We just want to honor Battalion Chief Charles E. Carr upon his retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to the East Providence Fire Department. Thank you, Chief.

Thank you. We are in agreement. Yeah.

Next, we are declaring April 2nd as National Walking Day in the City of East Providence. Did.

And we're out there walking this whole month.

Proclamation commemorating April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the City of East Providence.

And we have the proclamation recognizing April 19th through April 25th as National Library Week and April 21st as National Library Workers Day in the City of East Providence.

And if you don't have a library card, I recommend you get it. It's free. You can get e-books. So, if the library is closed, you still have the opportunity to get something to read.

Our libraries are great. They are awesome. There's so many resources there. Families can rent movies besides books and stuff. So, I strongly encourage any family in East Providence to check it out. Um We got some really good libraries. We do.

Very nice. And if you have any overdue books, we have people on waiting lists.

Please try to get them back Yes. in a timely manner. Yes.

Thank you very much, counselors.

Reminds me of That's right.

I know.

Next item.

D. Resolutions for discussion and possible vote. Number one, resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a new rescue for the fire department, Council President Rodericks and Council Vice President Rego.

I think without reading the whole resolution, there is capital funds involved here and it's upgrading the fleet. It's not really addressing you know, an extra run per se. It is physical vehicle.

We do have appropriated capital funds.

Motion to approve. Motion to approve by Councilwoman Second. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. All in favor? I. Any opposed? The eyes have it.

Thank you. Next. Number two, resolution in support of Rhode Island House Bill H 7389 relating to bilingual education, Councilwoman Souza.

Thank you. Um so, this is um a resolution that a bill that's up at the um the house asking that um additional funds be allocated across municipalities to help support uh bilingual education as we know we're a very diverse community um throughout the state and here in our city alone. Um so, this would provide resources for teaching um materials, uh professionals, teachers.

Um I think it's really important um part of our growth in our community and making sure that our children that are bilingual or ESL children have the adequate support they need not only to learn um the English language but to have their native language um available for those to teach them so that they can thrive and succeed um in our educational system. So, I hope to get approval and that it does well

in the house and in the Senate and I thank those advocating up there for our children um for doing that kind of work.

I think the last time I talked to you, Anisa, before she left, we had 41 42 different languages spoken in East Providence public schools. So, I second the motion. Motion by Councilwoman Souza. Seconded by Councilman Lawson.

All in favor? I. I. Any opposed?

The eyes have it. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman, for pushing that. Number three, resolution authorizing execution of a proposal from Fuss and O'Neill for preliminary stormwater infrastructure design and flood mitigation analysis, Council President Rodericks and Council Vice President Rego.

So, funding from the RIEMA, the RIEMA grant and this is uh culmination of all the work the city has been doing with dealing with the stormwater infrastructure which we know with flooding and all has been a concern for quite some time. So, this is kind of a hopefully a culmination of those efforts.

Are there other comments or a motion?

Motion to approve. Motion by Councilwoman Souza to approve. Seconded by Councilman Fogarty. All in favor? I.

I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you. Next item. Number five, resolution of the East Providence City Council in support of Rhode Island House Bill H 8038 authorizing the City of East Providence to license and regulate hotels and motels. Council Vice President Rego.

Thank you, uh Mr. President and my fellow council people who have been very supportive of this issue. Obviously, one of the issues lies in my ward and it's been nothing for nothing but a nightmare for myself, uh Council Senator Britto, at the time Councilperson Britto, uh Councilman Bryden, etc.

Uh and we we found out we ran into a roadblock 2 years ago when we wanted to take action and uh we were told by the judge that at the time that we don't have jurisdiction over that because there was no legislation.

Uh so, this would support that. That would give us the authority to license uh hotels and motels, you know, in East Providence as well in the state of Rhode Island.

So, I ask my fellow council people for support of this issue. Is that a motion?

It's a motion. Is there a second?

Seconded by Councilman Fogarty, Councilwoman Souza. All in favor? Aye.

Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it.

Thank you. Next item. Number six, resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a change order with TRC for the Sabin Point Stormwater Treatment System installation. Council President Rodericks. So, this is coming through that um a long time ago that Volkswagen settlement account and this is dealing with the discharge pollution into the bay. So, we're continuing to clean that up. This change order would be $43,670

funded using those Volkswagen settlement funds.

So, what is the reason for the change cuz we voted on this already?

It's a change in in an additional thing they need to do, right? So, the original contract was for 174 um and there's a change order uh that came out uh for 436740.

Even though that was under $50,000, I recommended that this come back before the council because it is an increase to the base contract amount. I appreciate that, but what what was the change that necessitated the extra money? It's we're providing construction phase services for the project and I think it's here.

One second. It's in the back.

Cuz I'm a little disappointed. There's a sign we've known about this pipe for years and the mayor put up a sign saying the project's delayed cuz we happened to find this pipe and it's blatant dishonest at Sabin Point. And the swings aren't there.

This playground, the kids that it's very frustrating because this project, the Volkswagen settlement was what?

2017, 2018? And we're still talking about this project. I am not um I understand. I No, I'm not aware of what you're indicating, but the the backup to this order says the TRC is to provide construction phase services for the stormwater treatment system installation following the bid and that's what the change order's for, 43670. I have no idea if it's related to the alleged pipe that you just spoke about. Um

I I mean, I obviously I'm going to vote for it and move forward, but we've already voted.

11 of the document indicates the changes and what what what it's for.

Okay.

Give the full description of that change order.

Okay.

Yeah. But I I I think it's very disingenuous for the administration to be putting up blatantly false information of why the project hasn't happened yet. The sign said last year, "Oh, coming May 2025 or spring."

Brand new. That didn't happen. And then this sign saying, "Oh, we happened to find a storm pipe."

It's it's Again, I'm not aware that that I understand. I I'm just mentioning it because this to this change order. I don't know if that's accurate. That's what The stormwater pipe is what we're talking about. No, I'm we're I'm talking about the sign that's saying, "Oh, we happened to find it.

That's why things haven't happened yet."

I'm just talking about what's indicated I make a motion to approve.

Is there a second?

Second. Seconded by Councilwoman Souza.

The motion was Councilman Lawson. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you.

E, introduction of ordinances for discussion and possible vote.

One, an ordinance and amendment of chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island 1998 as amended entitled vehicles and traffic adding section 18-3180 18 entitled parking of unregistered vehicles.

Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego. I know when Council Vice President and I and I think most of us discussed the difficulties with things like major storms and um we hear from our city workers that some of the vehicles they're trying to deal with have been unregistered and uh you know, don't belong on on the city streets. And so, as with a lot of issues, there there isn't always the

proper enforcement for the police to move ahead and tow a vehicle or move it. I I only recently learned that even if someone is parking in your personal yard, your house without your permission, the city can't have have that towed away or the police that the homeowner has to call and arrange for that. So, a lot of this has to do with tweaking for enforcements. This is something that would help with enforcement. Yes,

Councilman.

It's funny you say that because, you know, I do a little bit of work at St.

Martha's Church and we couldn't tow a abandoned vehicle for that reason. Yeah.

Exactly.

And And this language And that's This will help that up. Thank you. clean that up. It's definitely And it came even to more in light during obviously that first snowstorm and then the blizzard where uh it just uh became ridiculous what the DPW and the police department had to do to clear the roads. So, is there a motion?

Motion to accept. Motion by Councilman Fogarty to accept. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. Motion to pass. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it for the first passage. Thank you.

Next item.

Thank you, solicitor.

An ordinance 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 subject C of section 10-29 entitled removal notice to owner.

Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego.

Again, this is Yeah, this is tandem with the other building companion, yeah. I hope you guys Excuse me. I hope the council read a very interesting and very boring memo that was prepared back in July by my office related to a loophole in state law that prevented the city from exercising the ability to tow unregistered vehicles from streets without having to give 48 hours notice. So, the first reading that

you just passed and this hopefully closes the a loophole. This will allow um police department to tow unregistered vehicles on city streets without having to comply with a 48 hours notice. Right.

Again, it helps with enforcement and saves saves time.

met extensively with the uh traffic enforcement division to try to get this cleared up. And unlike what you said, we always read your boring mem- memos. I appreciate that. I don't know if that's really true, but it's all right. Motion by Councilman Fogarty. Seconded by Councilman Lawson. All in favor? Aye.

Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have it.

Thank you.

And that brings us to um Motion to adjourn. Just before we do that, I just want to add on um Let me get the right date here. On uh Sunday, May 3rd for anybody watching watching this, uh there is a benefit for an East Providence High School student.

Uh it will be Sunday, May 3rd at the Columbus Hall on Pawtucket Avenue.

And it is for a student, Aiden Carrera, who since he's been in elementary school has probably had about 25 surgeries um to um repair a hip and a leg and to get him to start to walk normally. And this is um culmination of another surgery he has to go to special uh place in Florida and this would help um to have the the parents and the in the family get there and be housed for a

while. They do have some insurances, but it does not cover everything. So, if anyone is available, um it's at the Columbus Hall or the Knights of Columbus Hall on Pawtucket Avenue.

Um and it is May 3rd from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you can't make that, um you know, be nice to send along a donation. If you if you're not aware of the particulars, you want to get in touch with me, I can give you the contact uh information.

Yes, Councilman before. Before we close, can I just add that, you know, to schedule an appointment, we're all busy in life, but to schedule an appointment, you know, through not through Andre, but administration for us council members, you know, 2 hours with the mayor on Friday, you know, I'm as busy as everybody else, and we can all attest to that.

But, from Riverside to Rumford, and concentrating on Ward 3, which I represent, touched on real estate, the nursing home's coming along great. All single, one room. We got to tour inside.

I know all the residents on the trail.

They were mad at first. I've actually spoken to several after. Very neat construction, behavior. We have local vendors local uh construction people in the building from our city, doing a great job. Be ready target date is August.

Um cleaned up after themselves. Toward the new Rec Center, people in our city work there.

Uh all the way down to Riverside.

Concerns of the main roads that we're all frustrated about. And this was a great 2-hour morning that I scheduled with our mayor, who took his time to do the job he's hired to do. Gets a lot of grief, I get it, but, you know, I've been a lot of businesses. I'm old enough to know better.

I I would say, give him a call, give the respect needed, and hopefully you get what you need done.

That's it. Thank you, Councilman. Also, I want to acknowledge and thank the chairman of the School Committee, David Lewis Lewis, who has been here the entire meeting. We continue to work well. He is chairman, me and his council leadership, in keeping our schools on the forefront of of all issues. Is there a motion to adjourn? Motion to adjourn.

Motion to adjourn. Also, Vice President, everyone else seconds it. All in favor?

Aye. Aye. Any opposed? The ayes have