Cranston public meetings in 2020

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting housing discrimination based on lawful source of income and military status. It also expanded the Affordable Housing Commission to nine members. Additionally, the council ratified two school collective bargaining agreements and approved various tax abatements.

• Adopted fair housing ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on lawful source of income and military status (5-3)
• Adopted ordinance expanding Affordable Housing Commission to 9 members (9-0)
• Ratified School Committee agreement with RI Laborers District Council 1322 Tradespeople Unit (9-0)
• Ratified School Committee agreement with RI Laborers District Council 1322 Bus Drivers Unit (9-0)
• Approved real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible tax abatements (9-0 each)
• Approved Tax Interest Waiver Approval list (9-0)
• Adopted traffic ordinances for New Hampshire St./Southern St. and Newell Rd. at Bedford Rd. (9-0 each)
• Appointed Vincent Turchetta to Juvenile Hearing Board and Larry Orlando Warner to Library Board of Trustees (9-0 each)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council adopted two resolutions urging Governor Gina Raimondo to release $150 million in CARES Act money to small businesses and to place a moratorium on evictions, both on 9-0 votes. The council also approved real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible tax abatement resolutions (each 9-0) and re-appointed Michael Saccoccio to the Tax Assessment Board of Review (8-0) and appointed Nilton Cardenas to the Arts Commission (7-0). An ordinance changing how Municipal Court judges are reviewed was amended 9-0 but then failed 3-6. New business items, including traffic ordinances and school collective bargaining agreements, were referred to committees.

• Adopted resolution urging Governor Raimondo to release $150M in CARES Act funds for small businesses (9-0, as amended)
• Amended the CARES Act resolution to send copies to the Governor, all RI city and town councils, and the Cranston Delegation (9-0)
• Adopted resolution urging the Governor to place a moratorium on evictions (9-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing real estate tax abatements (9-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing motor vehicle tax abatements (9-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing tangible tax abatements (9-0)
• Failed to adopt ordinance amending Municipal Court judge review process (3-6, after amending it 9-0)
• Re-appointed Michael Saccoccio to Tax Assessment Board of Review (8-0) and appointed Nilton Cardenas to Arts Commission (7-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom, primarily to enter executive session for an update on the city's Superior Court case against Yardworks on Warwick Ave., which neighbors complain is disrupting them with noise. The council voted 8-0 to enter and exit executive session, sealed the minutes, and adjourned. No other public business was discussed.

• Executive session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) for potential litigation
• Update on city's Superior Court case against Yardworks on Warwick Ave.
• Vote 8-0 to enter executive session
• Vote 8-0 to exit executive session and seal minutes

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council adopted a non-binding resolution urging the administration to expand the Planning Office's authority to approve in-fill zoning for certain parcels. The council also approved several traffic ordinances, tax abatements, and board appointments.

• Adopted resolution urging in-fill zoning ordinance amendments (5-1)
• Approved ordinance regarding steel plate use on streets and sidewalks (6-0)
• Adopted amended ordinance regarding building and construction complaints (7-0)
• Approved removal of 'No Parking' on Invernia Rd. (8-0)
• Approved stop sign ordinance for Grace Street at Pond Street (8-0)
• Approved traffic ordinances for Browne/Dunedin and Fountain/Puritan (8-0)
• Authorized real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible tax abatements (8-0)
• Approved re-appointments to Juvenile Hearing and Building Appeal boards (8-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council adopted resolutions declaring racism a public health issue and supporting law enforcement. The council also approved several tax abatements and authorized the use of impact fees for traffic improvements at two intersections.

• Adopted resolution declaring racism as a public health issue (9-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting law enforcement with added language on racism (9-0)
• Adopted resolution requesting Mayoral Administration progress on fire pit enforcement (8-1)
• Approved real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible tax abatements (9-0)
• Approved use of Western road impact fees for traffic engineering at two intersections (9-0)
• Adopted zoning ordinance for Citizens Guide to Land Development Process (9-0)
• Appointed Carlos Zambrano and Dean Perdikakis to the Zoning Board of Review (9-0)
• Forwarded $4.1M school funding resolution to Finance Committee (9-0)

CANCELLED Sep. 28, 2020 - Regular City Council Meeting

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for September 28, 2020 was rescheduled to October 5, 2020, in observance of Yom Kippur. All matters scheduled for the September 28 hearing were moved to the October 5 date.

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council adopted resolutions urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to increase state education aid and maintain funding levels. The council also approved several tax abatements and re-appointed a member to the Building Appeal Board.

• Approved resolution requesting $4.1M increase in state education aid (9-0)
• Approved resolution urging General Assembly to fund state education formula at FY 2021 levels (9-0)
• Approved real estate tax abatements (9-0)
• Approved motor vehicle tax abatements (9-0)
• Approved tangible tax abatements (9-0)
• Approved tax interest waiver approvals and denials (9-0)
• Re-appointed Louis P. Petrucci, Jr. to the Building Appeal Board (9-0)
• Referred ordinances regarding Western Road impact fees and minority-owned business enterprises to Finance Committee (9-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council and Plan Commission held a joint special meeting at the Mulligan's Island site to hear a Phase I proposal from Coastal Partners, LLC for a Costco Wholesale Club with a fueling station. No formal votes were taken on the proposal; the meeting was informational, with applicant Michael DiGuiseppe answering questions from council and commission members. The council and commission unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.

• No votes taken on the Costco proposal; meeting was informational only
• Council unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.
• Plan Commission unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council appointed Aniece Germain as Councilmember for Ward 2, filling the vacancy left by Paul J. McAuley's resignation. The vote was 6-0 with two abstentions from Councilmembers Hopkins and Favicchio. The Council also adopted several ordinances, including a ban on synthetic herbicide use on public property, and referred a zoning ordinance amendment to committee for further study.

• Appointed Aniece Germain to fill the Ward 2 vacancy (6-0, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted resolution supporting critical civil rights legislation at the State House (8-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending mooring fees (8-0)
• Adopted ordinance authorizing use of recreational impact fees for a splash pad in Ward 3 (7-1)
• Adopted ordinance amending the Fire Prevention Code regarding hazardous substance permits (8-0)
• Adopted ordinance banning synthetic herbicide use on public property (8-0)
• Referred zoning ordinance 5-20-04 (Special Use Permit) back to the Ordinance Committee for further study (7-1)
• Suspended Council Rule 36 to hold meetings at 6:30 p.m. for the remainder of the year (8-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom and voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution proposing an amendment to Section 6.21 of the Cranston Home Rule Charter, directing the Secretary of State to place it on the ballot as a referendum question. The amendment concerns the property tax levy cap and clarifies that, per state law, exceeding 3% requires a supermajority vote. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted resolution to amend Home Rule Charter Sec. 6.21 on property tax levy cap (6-0)
• Directed Secretary of State to place amendment on ballot as referendum question

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council approved a new contract for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers and a lease agreement with Renaissance Development Corp. It also passed an ordinance for plastic bag reduction and requested $5 million in bonds for renewable energy systems.

• Ratified IBPO Local Union 301 contract for FY 2020-2023 (8-0)
• Approved lease agreement with Renaissance Development Corp (6-0)
• Adopted plastic bag reduction ordinance (5-3)
• Denied amendment to plastic bag ordinance regarding out-of-town business fines (3-5)
• Adopted resolution urging General Assembly to authorize $5 million in bonds for renewable energy and energy conservation (8-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special Zoom meeting on June 25, 2020, and adopted several resolutions proposing amendments to the Home Rule Charter, directing the Secretary of State to place them on the ballot as referendum questions. It also adopted resolutions urging Cranston's General Assembly delegation to introduce legislation for city bonds totaling $20 million for parks, fire equipment, roads, and public buildings, with a $5 million renewable energy bond resolution referred to the July 2 special meeting. A plastic bag reduction ordinance was amended to delay enforcement to January 1, 2021, with fines delayed to July 1, 2021, and then referred to the July 2 meeting. All votes are recorded in the minutes.

• Amended plastic bag ordinance enforcement date to January 1, 2021 and delayed fines to July 1, 2021 (7-1)
• Referred plastic bag ordinance to July 2, 2020 Special City Council meeting (8-0)
• Adopted resolution for Ward Redistricting charter amendment referendum (8-0)
• Adopted resolution for City Campaign Contribution Reporting charter amendment referendum (8-0)
• Adopted resolution for City Council Meetings charter amendment referendum (8-0)
• Adopted resolution for Mayor's Line Item Veto charter amendment referendum (8-0)
• Adopted resolution for Rainy Day Fund charter amendment referendum (7-1)
• Amended and adopted resolution for Property Tax Levy Cap charter amendment referendum, changing 'at least four fifths of' to 'majority of the' (amendment 5-3; adoption as amended 6-2)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council approved an ordinance authorizing up to $5 million in bonds for renewable energy conservation measures and adopted resolutions for motor vehicle tax abatements and tax interest waivers. Councilmember McAuley stated he would resign effective immediately if not apologized to by the City Council Legal Counsel, though the Council President noted he remains a member until a formal resignation letter is submitted. Several new ordinances and resolutions regarding infrastructure bonds and code amendments were introduced and referred to committees for further review.

• Adopted Resolution recognizing June as Pride Month (8-0)
• Adopted Ordinance authorizing up to $5,000,000 in bonds for renewable energy conservation (8-0)
• Adopted Resolution authorizing motor vehicle tax abatements (8-0)
• Adopted Resolution approving tax interest waivers (8-0)
• Appointed Diane Schaefer to Public Library Board of Trustees (8-0)
• Approved request for Assistant Chief James E. Warren to continue in service for one year (8-0)
• Referred new business items (including $2M-$10M bond resolutions and code amendments) to respective committees (8-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom and voted 7-0 to refer an ordinance ratifying the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local Union 301 contract for fiscal years 2021-2023 to the Special Finance Committee. The committee will review it on June 25, 2020, at 5 p.m. No other substantive decisions were made, and the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

• Referred IBPO Local Union 301 contract ordinance (FY 2021-2023) to Special Finance Committee (7-0)
• Scheduled Special Finance Committee review for June 25, 2020 at 5 p.m.

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on June 11, 2020, and voted 8-0 to refer nine items to a Special Ordinance Committee meeting scheduled for June 18, 2020. The items include an ordinance to reduce plastic bags and eight resolutions proposing amendments to the Home Rule Charter, covering topics such as ward redistricting, campaign contribution reporting, city council meetings, the mayor's line item veto, the rainy day fund, property tax levy cap, city solicitor residency, and a citizens guide to the land development process. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Referred plastic bag reduction ordinance (6-20-01S) to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred ward redistricting charter amendment resolution to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred campaign contribution reporting charter amendment resolution to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred city council meetings charter amendment resolution to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred mayor's line item veto charter amendment resolution to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred rainy day fund charter amendment resolution to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred property tax levy cap charter amendment resolution to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)
• Referred city solicitor residency and citizens guide to land development charter amendment resolutions to Special Ordinance Committee (8-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council adopted the FY2020-2021 operating budget, capital budget, and tax levy, with the final budget resolution passing 5-4. The budget includes a $4,131,094 reduction in projected state school aid from both revenue and expenditure sides, and a $45,039 increase in city appropriations to schools. Several individual amendments were approved, including eliminating the Employee Assistance Program line item, creating a Training Center Rentals revenue line, and adding a $150,000 Splash Pad in Ward 3. The council also approved the tax assessment and levy resolution and the ordinance setting tax due dates.

• Adopted FY2021 operating and capital budgets as amended (5-4)
• Adopted annual appropriation ordinance as amended (8-1)
• Adopted tax levy resolution (9-0)
• Reduced school budget revenue and expenditures by $4,131,094 (9-0)
• Increased city appropriations to schools by $45,039 (8-1)
• Added $150,000 for Ward 3 Splash Pad (8-1)
• Eliminated Employee Assistance Program line item (9-0)
• Created $21,420 Training Center Rentals revenue line (5-4)

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council adopted a resolution requesting the General Assembly authorize a $147 million bond for city schools. The council also approved several tax abatements and waived certain late payment fees for residents facing COVID-19 economic hardship.

• Approved $147M school repair and construction bond resolution (9-0)
• Adopted ordinance waiving COVID-19 related tax penalties and fees (8-0)
• Appointed Leanne Zarrella as City Clerk (9-0)
• Approved real estate, supplemental, and motor vehicle tax abatements (9-0)
• Approved tax interest waiver approvals and denials (9-0)
• Adopted resolution to protect families and small businesses from COVID-19 hardship (5-3)
• Approved abandonment of Golini Street (9-0)
• Adopted zoning amendments for industrial noise and monitoring (9-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council voted 7-0 to adopt a resolution ratifying emergency COVID-19 spending authorized by the Mayor for a lease agreement with Renaissance Development Corporation at 35 Sockanosset Crossroad, including interior infrastructure improvements and moving costs. Director of Administration Daniel Parrillo said the city issued an RFP and this location was the lone bidder, and the agreement was revised to a three-year term with two one-year options and a five-year option. Council Vice-President Favicchio asked if the revised terms were more costly; Parrillo said the terms are exactly the same, just extended. No public comment was made.

• Adopted resolution ratifying emergency COVID-19 spending for lease at 35 Sockanosset Crossroad (7-0)
• Approved lease agreement with Renaissance Development Corporation, including interior improvements and moving costs
• Noted agreement revised to three-year term with two one-year options and a five-year option

Special City Council Meeting

The City Council discussed a resolution to ratify emergency spending for a lease agreement and improvements at 35 Sockanosset Crossroad. Legal counsel advised that the matter was not properly before the Council and must be submitted at a later date.

• No substantive decisions were made; the resolution regarding 35 Sockanosset Crossroad was deferred

Special City Council Meeting

Mayor Fung presented the budget address for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The council scheduled a public hearing for May 4, 2020, and discussed potential additional hearing dates.

• Scheduled budget public hearing for May 4, 2020

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council voted down a resolution ratifying emergency COVID-19 spending for a lease at 35 Sockanosset Crossroad, which would have relocated three city departments from the CCAP building. The motion to refer the resolution to the Finance Committee failed on a tie vote, and the original adoption failed 5-3 with one abstention, short of the required two-thirds. The council also adopted several routine resolutions and ordinances, including tax abatements and zoning changes.

• Adopted resolution promoting Census 2020 Pledge Tool (9-0)
• Rejected resolution ratifying COVID-19 lease at 35 Sockanosset Crossroad (5-3, 1 abstention)
• Adopted real estate tax abatements for March (9-0)
• Adopted motor vehicle tax abatements for March (9-0)
• Approved tax interest waiver approvals for March (9-0)
• Approved tax interest waiver denials for March (9-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending Comprehensive Plan for Catherine St. and Bateman Ave. (9-0)
• Adopted zoning change for Catherine St. and Bateman Ave. (9-0)

CANCELLED Mar. 23, 2020 - Regular City Council Meeting

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for March 23, 2020, was cancelled following the Governor's direction regarding the coronavirus. All matters scheduled for hearing on that date were moved to the April 27, 2020, meeting.

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council voted 5-2 to extend Mayor Allan Fung's declared State of Emergency for the duration of the Governor's State of Emergency, rather than setting a fixed local time limit. The motion, made by Councilmember McAuley and seconded by Brady, passed with Councilmembers Stycos and Donegan voting against. Earlier motions to extend for 45 days were withdrawn after discussion.

• Extended Mayor's State of Emergency to align with Governor's declaration (5-2)
• Withdrew motion to extend emergency powers for 45 days
• Withdrew initial motion to extend until Governor lifts State of Emergency

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council adopted ordinances regarding municipal minimum wage and zoning for medical marijuana dispensaries. The council also approved several tax abatements and designated the city as a PACE municipality.

• Adopted minimum wage ordinance for city employees (7-1)
• Adopted medical marijuana dispensary zoning ordinance (7-1)
• Approved real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible tax abatements (8-0)
• Designated city as a PACE municipality and approved C-PACE agreement (8-0)
• Adopted rooftop solar energy and schedule of uses zoning ordinances (8-0)
• Approved noise control measurement ordinance (8-0)
• Approved funding pursuit for a splash pad at Calise Field Annex (8-0)
• Appointed Dr. Taino J. Palmero to Library Board of Trustees (8-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting on February 24, 2020, primarily to enter executive session for discussions on personnel and potential litigation. The council voted to go into executive session, discussed the City Clerk position and Yardworks, then voted to come out and seal the minutes. The meeting was procedural, with no public decisions or votes on substantive items.

• Voted 7-0 to enter executive session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1) Personnel and (a)(2) Potential Litigation
• Discussed City Clerk position in executive session
• Discussed Yardworks in executive session
• Voted 8-0 to come out of executive session
• Voted 8-0 to seal executive session minutes

Joint City Council Meeting with City Plan Commission

The City Council and Plan Commission held a joint site visit for a Comprehensive Plan amendment and zone change application at 1500 Oaklawn Avenue. No votes or decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with discussion focused on the proposed demolition, a new branch bank and liquor store, and the future of the adjacent Catherine Street right-of-way. The meeting adjourned with unanimous votes by both bodies.

• No formal decisions made; site visit only
• City Council unanimously voted to adjourn
• Plan Commission unanimously voted to adjourn

Regular City Council Meeting

The Council ratified two collective bargaining agreements for school employees and approved a zoning change for 100 Sockanosset Crossroad. It also approved a new liquor license for El Tapatio and several tax abatements. A proposed minimum wage ordinance was amended to include library employees and referred back for re-advertising.

• Approved Class B Victualling Liquor License for RICHIE, Inc. d/b/a El Tapatio (8-0)
• Adopted zoning change for 100 Sockanosset Crossroad (8-0)
• Ratified school collective bargaining agreement with RI Council 94 AFSCME (8-0)
• Ratified school collective bargaining agreement with RI Laborers District Council 1322 (8-0)
• Approved motor vehicle and tangible tax abatements (8-0)
• Approved tax interest waiver approvals and denials (8-0)
• Approved disability pension for Captain Harold Hunt and pension for Deputy Chief Frank Ennis (8-0)
• Approved one-year service extension for Chief Stephen Macintosh (8-0)

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting on January 27, 2020, primarily to present citations to two CLCF youth football teams and then enter executive session. The executive session was held under state law for personnel and potential litigation matters, and the council voted unanimously to seal the minutes. No other substantive business was conducted.

• Presented citations to CLCF Chiefs 8U and 10U Boys Football Teams for championship wins
• Voted 7-0 to enter executive session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1) Personnel and (a)(2) Potential Litigation
• Voted 7-0 to seal executive session minutes

Special City Council Meeting

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting on January 21, 2020, and voted on three ordinances related to solar energy systems. Ordinance 8-19-07 (amending zoning for solar energy systems) was adopted 7-0, and Ordinance 8-19-08 (amending the schedule of uses) was adopted 7-0; Councilmember Vargas was absent for both votes. Ordinance 6-19-9 (amending the 2010 Comprehensive Plan for solar performance standards) was adopted 8-0. Ordinance 6-19-10 (an older schedule of uses amendment) was not voted on, with no action taken.

• Adopted Ordinance 8-19-07, amending Chapter 17.24 Zoning for Solar Energy Systems (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 8-19-08, amending Chapter 17.20.030 Zoning Schedule of Uses (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 6-19-9, amending the 2010 Comprehensive Plan for Solar Performance Standards 2019 (8-0)
• Took no action on Ordinance 6-19-10, an older Schedule of Uses amendment