Cranston public meetings in 2023
19 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to review a proposal by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins to replace the Budlong Pool. The Mayor's representatives presented a plan for a new $3-$3.5 million pool as an alternative to $5 million in repairs. No final decision was made; the item was referred to the October Finance Committee agenda.
- Approved motion to take agenda items out of order to group public comments (6-0)
- Referred Budlong Pool proposal to the October Finance Committee agenda
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved several tax interest waivers and abatements for real estate, motor vehicles, and tangible property. The council also officially named a city park 'Itri Park' and re-appointed Carlos D. Zambrano to the Zoning Board of Review. Public comment was held regarding the future of Budlong Pool.
- Approved July 2023 Tax Interest Waiver Approvals (7-0)
- Approved July 2023 Tax Interest Waiver Denials (7-0)
- Approved Real Estate Tax Abatements (7-0)
- Approved Motor Vehicle Tax Abatements (7-0)
- Approved Tangible Tax Abatements (7-0)
- Approved ordinance to use Police Impact Fees for Police Rent (7-0)
- Approved naming the park at Cranston St, Park Ave, and Phenix Ave 'Itri Park' (7-0)
- Re-appointed Carlos D. Zambrano to the Zoning Board of Review (5-1)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved a zoning change for 0 Bedson Road and a one-year service extension for Detective Anthony Massimino. The council also approved tax interest waivers and an ordinance regarding poles relocation. Residents spoke in opposition to the Mayor's plan to replace Budlong Pool with a smaller facility.
- Approved minutes of June 26, 2023 meeting (6-0)
- Approved Tax Interest Waiver Approvals (6-0)
- Approved ordinance amending Chapter 15 regarding Poles Relocation (6-0)
- Approved zoning change for 0 Bedson Road, AP 4, Lots 2606-2609 (6-0)
- Approved one-year service continuation for Detective Anthony Massimino (6-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Council approved participation in a community septic system loan program and granted support for youth sports grant funding. Several ordinances were passed regarding police department composition, the Plan Commission, and rooster regulations. Three members were re-appointed to the Library Board of Trustees.
- Approved participation in RI Infrastructure Bank’s Community Septic System Loan Program (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution of Support for Grant Funding of CLCF Youth Sports (unanimous)
- Approved real estate tax abatements for June 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved tax interest waiver approvals (unanimous)
- Approved ordinance amending Police Department Composition (unanimous)
- Approved ordinance amending Plan Commission (unanimous)
- Approved ordinance amending animal laws regarding roosters with amended fine language (unanimous)
- Re-appointed Jack Tregar, R. Drayton Fair, and Michael Goldberg to Library Board of Trustees (6-1 each)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council considered a resolution to sell the property at 41 Heath Ave. (former Sanders School) to Vicioso Homes for $261,500.00. The council voted to refer the matter to the Special Finance Committee for further review.
- Referred sale of 41 Heath Ave. to Special Finance Committee (unanimous of those present)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council ratified the IBPO police contract and approved the sale of the former Sanders School for $261,500. The council also approved updates to tax incentive programs and various tax abatements. An ordinance to transfer $350,000 for Budlong Pool was withdrawn as the funds were already accounted for in the Capital Plan.
- Approved IBPO police contract for FY 2024-2026 (unanimous)
- Approved amendments to Tax Incentive Programs (unanimous)
- Approved sale of former Sanders School at 41 Heath Ave. to Vicioso Homes for $261,500 (unanimous)
- Approved real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible tax abatements (unanimous)
- Approved tax interest waiver approvals and denials for April 2023 (unanimous)
- Withdrew ordinance 3-23-01 for $350,000 Budlong Pool fund transfer
- Approved minutes from April 24, April 27, May 1, and May 15 meetings (unanimous)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council voted to override the Mayor's vetoes regarding increases or additional appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. The decision specifically relates to funding an additional hire for the Planning Department.
- Approved motion to consider Mayoral vetoes as a block (6-2)
- Overrode Mayoral vetoes for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget (6-2)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council voted on multiple amendments to reduce specific expenditure accounts and increase projected revenue accounts. Reductions affected departments including Building Maintenance, the City Clerk, and the Municipal Court. Revenue increases were approved for items such as electrical permits and scrap sales.
- Reduced Cranston Conservation Commission expenditure to $1,000 (6-3)
- Reduced Parks & Recreation fertilization expenditure to $40,000 (6-3)
- Reduced City Clerk overtime expenditure to $15,000 (7-1)
- Reduced Economic Development differential expenditure to $0 (6-3)
- Reduced Municipal Court part-time help expenditure to $0 (5-4)
- Reduced Police rent expenditure to $1,413,298.11 (9-0)
- Increased Electrical Permits revenue to $200,000 (6-3)
- Increased Contracts & Purchasing scrap sales revenue to $261,5000.00 (8-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council approved a new Class BV liquor license for 999 Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Ginza Asian Bistro. The Council also opened and referred sealed bids for the sale of the former Sanders School site to the Finance Committee.
- Approved new Class BV Liquor License for Ginza Asian Bistro at 734 Park Ave (unanimous)
- Referred bids for Lot 300 (former Sanders School) to the next Finance Committee meeting (unanimous)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved several zoning ordinances, including the Cranston Print Works project and a height increase for a Carlsbad St. development. The council also authorized real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements and approved service extensions for police and fire leadership.
- Approved zoning change for Cranston Print Works at 1381 Cranston St. and 767 Dyer Ave. (unanimous)
- Approved zoning change for 35 and 0 Carlsbad St., increasing max building height from 45ft to 65ft (unanimous)
- Approved zoning change for 0 Plainfield Pike, AP 36, Lots 8 and 37 (unanimous)
- Authorized real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements (unanimous)
- Approved tax interest waiver approvals and denials (unanimous)
- Adopted ordinance regarding notice requirements for removal and pruning of trees (unanimous)
- Adopted commercial vehicle parking restrictions on both sides of Kenwood St. (unanimous)
- Approved service extensions for Detective Lieutenant Stephen E. Brooks and Chief James E. Warren (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council confirmed the Mayor's appointment of a new Personnel Director and adopted the 2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan. A resolution to adopt City Council rules for the 2023-2024 term was continued to the April meeting.
- Confirmed appointment of Michael Favicchio as Personnel Director (8-0)
- Adopted the 2022 Cranston Hazard Mitigation Plan (8-0)
- Continued resolution for 2023-2024 City Council Rules to April meeting (4-3)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on the 2023-2024 budget, though no members of the public spoke. The council voted to postpone the adoption of the City Council Rules for the 2023-2024 term to a later date.
- Continued Resolution for adoption of City Council Rules to April 13, 2023 (unanimous)
Special City Council Meeting
Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins delivered the budget message for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. No votes were taken during the meeting, and budget-related items were referred to the Special Finance Committee.
- Referred Operating Budget and Salary Schedule to Special Finance Committee
- Referred Annual Appropriation Ordinance to Special Finance Committee
- Referred Real Estate and Tangible Personal Property Tax Resolution to Special Finance Committee
- Referred Tax Assessment and Penalty Date Ordinance to Special Finance Committee
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved an ordinance regarding the removal and pruning of trees, amended to take effect July 1, 2023. The body also approved several zoning changes and tax-related resolutions. A request for continued service for a fire department official was granted.
- Approved ordinance on removal and pruning of trees, effective July 1, 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved zoning change for Oaklawn Ave. Plat 17 Lot 670 (unanimous)
- Approved zoning change for 2110 Plainfield Pike Plat 35 Lot 9 (unanimous)
- Approved amendment to 2010 Comprehensive Plan for Oaklawn Ave. (unanimous)
- Approved real estate tax abatements (unanimous)
- Approved tax interest waivers and denied others as presented (unanimous)
- Approved continued service for Assistant Chief Daniel Marcinko (unanimous)
- Continued adoption of City Council Rules for 2023-2024 to April 4, 2023 (7-2)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council referred the Mayor's appointment of Michael Favicchio as Personnel Director to a Special Finance Committee meeting. This meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2023.
- Referred Mayor's appointment of Michael Favicchio as Personnel Director to Special Finance Committee on April 13, 2023 (7-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved motor vehicle tax abatements and several tax interest waiver requests. The council also appointed Jennifer Cowart to the Library Board of Trustees and swore in Tracy Nelson as City Clerk.
- Approved motor vehicle tax abatements (7-0)
- Approved January tax interest waiver approvals (6-1)
- Approved February 6 tax interest waiver approvals (6-1)
- Approved February 6 tax interest waiver denials (7-0)
- Appointed Jennifer Cowart to Library Board of Trustees (7-0)
- Adopted resolution for Turner Syndrome Awareness Month (7-0)
- Adopted resolution to celebrate Black History Month (7-0)
- Accepted legal expense analysis from July 1, 2022 to February 27, 2023 (4-3)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to appoint a new City Clerk. After considering two candidates, the Council voted to appoint Tracy Nelson to the position.
- Motion to appoint Sofia Millham as City Clerk failed (4-5)
- Approved appointment of Tracy Nelson as City Clerk (8-1)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Council approved real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements and several municipal appointments. Residents testified regarding vibrations caused by Edgewood Laundry, leading the Council to request a voluntary meeting with the owner. The Council also interviewed two finalists for the City Clerk position.
- Approved real estate tax abatements (8-0)
- Approved motor vehicle tax abatements (8-0)
- Approved list of Tax Interest Waiver Denials (8-0)
- Approved permit for alteration near historic cemetery for Carpionato Group, LLC (8-0)
- Adopted ordinance for stop intersections at Rangeley Rd. and Carver Rd. (8-0)
- Re-appointed Bernard Kevin O'Connor to Juvenile Hearing Board (8-0)
- Appointed Stephen Quartino to Juvenile Hearing Board (8-0)
- Appointed Kristina Brown to Affordable Housing Commission (8-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council held its 59th Inaugural Program to swear in members and appoint leadership for the 2023-2025 term. The council appointed a President, Vice-President, and several city officials, and approved a block of judicial appointments for the Municipal Court.
- Appointed Councilwoman Marino as Council President (9-0)
- Appointed Councilwoman Vargas as Council Vice-President (9-0)
- Re-appointed Stephen Angell, Esq. as City Council Legal Counsel (9-0)
- Selected Councilman Donegan as Majority Leader
- Selected Councilwoman Renzulli as Minority Leader
- Approved block appointment of Municipal Court Chief, Senior Associate, Associate, Auxiliary, and Probate Judges (5-4)
- Re-appointed Nicholas Lima as City Registrar (9-0)
- Re-appointed David DiMaio as City Auditor/Budget Analyst (9-0)