Pawtucket public meetings in 2020
24 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Finance Committee
The Pawtucket City Council Finance Committee will meet via videoconference to discuss and consider several financial matters, including a resolution to authorize up to $20,000,000 in bonds for the acquisition and redevelopment of the Apex site, an inducement resolution for the Dexter Street Commons project, and a request for a 10-year tax stabilization agreement for 173 Weeden Street. The meeting includes a public input period with remote participation options due to COVID-19.
- Resolution to authorize up to $20,000,000 in bonds for Apex site acquisition and redevelopment
- Inducement resolution for Dexter Street Commons project by Peyser Real Estate Group
- Request for 10-year Tax Stabilization Agreement for 173 Weeden Street by Bond St LLC
- Communications from Commerce Director, Planning Director, and Tax Assessor regarding the tax stabilization agreement
Finance/Ordinance Committee
The Pawtucket City Council Finance and Ordinance Committees will meet virtually on November 24, 2020, to discuss and possibly consider an ordinance approving Amendment No. 17 to the Pawtucket Redevelopment Plan, titled 'Downtown Gateway Project.' The meeting includes a public input period, with testimony accepted by email or phone due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Ordinance approving Amendment No. 17 to the Pawtucket Redevelopment Plan (Downtown Gateway Project)
- Public input via email to [email protected] until 5:00 p.m. on November 24, 2020
- Telephone public input via 1-888-475-4499, meeting ID 946 1441 1427
License Commissioners Session
The Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners approved routine license transfers and renewals, postponed two license petitions for The Central, and held hearings on Rhody Hen Cafe and Di Nos Restaurant. The board ordered Rhody Hen to remove a temporary structure and stop outdoor dining beyond the original 10x10 space, and took no action on Di Nos' renewal, postponing it to December 21.
- Approved transfer of Washing Well Laundromat license to Dhirendra Shankar at 906 Main St.
- Approved new victualling house license for Waffle Hive LLC at 250 Main St.
- Postponed new license petitions for The Central (Wanubi Project Inc.) at 233 Main St. to Dec. 9.
- Ordered Rhody Hen Cafe (350 Prospect St.) to remove temporary structure and stop outdoor dining beyond 10x10 space.
- Postponed Di Nos Restaurant (908 Main St.) license renewal to Dec. 21 after hearing on COVID and noise complaints.
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved a resolution reducing council member salaries by 10% for October, November, and December 2020, and passed an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the city code regarding the Police Municipal Court. The council also approved the conveyance of a Merrick Street property to Nicholas and Erica Barros, and denied a $550 damage claim from Nickolas Larsen while postponing a $1,700 claim from Erika Forster. Several communications were filed, and items including a 10-year tax stabilization agreement for 173 Weeden Street and a $20 million bond resolution for the Apex site were referred to committees.
- Approved records of Oct 21, 2020 meetings (8-0)
- Approved consent agenda (8-0)
- Passed motion to request DPW paint crosswalk on Colfax St. near new Dunkin (8-0)
- Passed motion for monthly unannounced inspections at Concord St. dumpster property (8-0)
- Passed motion to address boats on trailers on streets (8-0)
- Approved conveyance of Plat 52, Lot 23 on Merrick St. to Nicholas and Erica Barros (8-0)
- Approved 10% salary reduction for council members for Oct-Dec 2020 (8-0)
- Passed ordinance amending Chapter 26 (Police Municipal Court) (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved a resolution to move $5 million within the police and fire pension plan among investment managers, and passed a second-reading ordinance updating pay rates for Local 1012 (Police Signal Operator). The council also passed a first-reading ordinance amending the Police Municipal Court chapter and a second-reading ordinance on solid waste (dumpsters). All votes were unanimous (9-0).
- Approved $5M pension fund reallocation among Granite, Alkeon, Congress, Locus Wood, Harding Loevner, Central Park Group (9-0)
- Passed ordinance repealing/replacing pay rates for Local 1012 (Police Signal Operator) (9-0)
- Passed ordinance amending Chapter 347 'Solid Waste' (Dumpsters) (9-0)
- Passed first reading of ordinance amending Chapter 26 'Police Municipal Court' (9-0)
- Approved consent agenda including communications on Mayor's Community Board, Apex eminent domain, library report, and police annual report (9-0)
- Requested Police Chief attend pre-council session to discuss annual report recommendations (9-0)
- Requested enforcement of Varieur School playground closure after hours (9-0)
- Requested traffic study at Smithfield Ave/Colfax St for new Dunkin Donuts (9-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved several property-related resolutions, including acquiring land on School Street from the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency and authorizing a ground lease with Fortuitous Tidewater OZ LLC for properties on Division and Taft Streets. It also passed zoning changes adding 104 Glenwood Ave to the Historic District and changing 30 India Street from residential to industrial, plus tax abatements totaling $130,945.53 for early 2020. All votes were 8-0, with Councilor Rudd absent.
- Approved minutes of Sept 23, 2020 meetings (8-0)
- Approved consent agenda including claims referrals (8-0)
- Confirmed Patrick J. McBurney to Riverfront Commission (8-0)
- Confirmed Albert J. Vitali Jr. to Riverfront Commission (8-0)
- Approved acquisition of School Street property from Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency (8-0)
- Authorized ground lease with Fortuitous Tidewater OZ LLC for Division/Taft Street properties (8-0)
- Passed zoning changes for 104 Glenwood Ave and 30 India Street (8-0)
- Approved tax abatements totaling $130,945.53 for Jan-Jun 2020 (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council passed two zoning changes on first reading: adding 104 Glenwood Ave to the Historic District and changing 30 India Street from RT Residential Two-Family to Industrial Open MO Zone. The council also denied a request to purchase a lot at 185 Mulberry Street, approved a 4-way stop sign ordinance at Columbia and Fairview Avenues, and tabled several items including a police/fire pension fund movement resolution and a municipal court name change ordinance.
- Approved first reading of zoning change adding 104 Glenwood Ave to Historic District (8-0)
- Approved first reading of zoning change for 30 India Street to Industrial Open MO Zone (8-0)
- Denied request to purchase lot at 185 Mulberry Street (8-0)
- Passed ordinance for 4-way stop sign at Columbia Ave and Fairview Ave (8-0)
- Tabled police/fire pension fund movement resolution to Finance Committee
- Tabled municipal court name change ordinance to Ordinance Committee
- Tabled Tidewater Ground Lease Agreement to City Property Committee
- Approved consent agenda including various communications (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved an ordinance adding a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Fairview Avenue. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included communications and referrals, and passed several motions requesting information on tree replacement, rodent control, trash can pickup, and crosswalk completion. Two claims for damages against the city were denied.
- Approved ordinance for 4-way stop sign at Columbia and Fairview Avenues (9-0)
- Approved consent agenda including communications and referrals (9-0)
- Approved minutes of August 19 and August 27, 2020 meetings (9-0)
- Passed motion to request tree replacement plan for storm-damaged areas (9-0)
- Passed motion to request rodent check at Varieur School (9-0)
- Passed motion to request better trash can pickup plan (9-0)
- Passed motion to treat rodent control firm hiring as emergency purchase (9-0)
- Denied claims by Jared Pedro ($500) and Paul McGovern ($2,500) (9-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council held a special session via Zoom and unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included filing communications from the council president and the school committee chairperson. The council then ratified the tentative agreement between the Pawtucket Teachers' Alliance, Local 930, and the Pawtucket School Department for the period September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2023, on a 6-0 roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
- Approved consent agenda (6-0), filing communications from Council President Moran and School Committee Chairperson Charbonneau
- Ratified tentative agreement between Pawtucket Teachers' Alliance, Local 930, and Pawtucket School Department (6-0), covering Sept 1, 2020 to Aug 31, 2023
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved the consent agenda and prior meeting records by unanimous roll call votes. It referred the tentative Pawtucket Teachers' Alliance contract (2020-2023) to the Finance Committee, and passed motions requesting multilingual tax sale notices from the water board and a DPW plan for curbside trash barrel pickup. The council also requested a 4-way stop sign at Welden and Rice Streets.
- Approved minutes of Aug 5, 2020 meetings (8-0)
- Approved consent agenda (8-0)
- Referred teacher contract to Finance Committee (8-0)
- Requested PWSB send tax sale notices in Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole (8-0)
- Requested DPW plan for curbside old trash barrel pickup (8-0)
- Requested 4-way stop sign at Welden and Rice Streets (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved a tax abatement for past taxes on PRA properties on Middle Street, passed an ordinance amending fire prevention and alarm system codes, and confirmed David Farrell to the Parks Commission. The council also approved a $250 claim payment to Joseph Schondek and denied a $1,841.82 claim by Jesse Callahan. Several motions were passed, including requests to replace a storm-damaged stop sign, notify residents about old trash barrel disposal, and consider declaring a rodent emergency.
- Approved tax abatement for past taxes on PRA properties on Middle Street (8-0)
- Passed ordinance amending fire prevention and alarm system codes (false alarms) (8-0)
- Confirmed David Farrell to Parks Commission (8-0)
- Approved $250 claim payment to Joseph Schondek (8-0)
- Denied $1,841.82 claim by Jesse Callahan (8-0)
- Approved motion to request replacement of stop sign at Capwell Ave. and Progress St. (8-0)
- Approved motion to request public notification on old trash barrel disposal (8-0)
- Approved motion to request consideration of rodent emergency declaration (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved a resolution authorizing a temporary access agreement with Waterloo Lofts LLC for roadway improvements tied to the Pawtucket/Central Falls bus hub and commuter rail station. The council also passed a first-reading ordinance amending fire prevention and alarm system rules (false alarms), and approved three damage claims for payment totaling $2,677.15. One claim was denied, and a false-alarm ordinance was postponed indefinitely. All votes were unanimous (7-0) with two councilors absent.
- Approved temporary access agreement with Waterloo Lofts LLC for Goff Avenue roadway improvements (7-0)
- Passed first reading of ordinance amending fire prevention and alarm systems (false alarms) Substitute A (7-0)
- Postponed indefinitely ordinance on false alarms (7-0)
- Approved damage claims: James Rennick $300, First America $1,590, Oscar Ramirez $787.15 (7-0)
- Denied damage claim by Andrew Burkhardt for $251.21, referred to City of Providence (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including communications on McCoy Stadium, CARES Act, and appointments (7-0)
- Approved minutes of July 8, 2020 meetings (7-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council ratified a collective bargaining agreement with Pawtucket Lodge No. 4 Fraternal Order of Police for 2020-2023 and passed an ordinance establishing a pay plan for uniformed police officers for July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023. Both votes were 8-1, with Councilor Kallman voting no. The council also confirmed three mayoral reappointments and approved the consent agenda, which included communications on racism resolutions, COVID-19 recreation updates, and a false alarm ordinance referral.
- Ratified police union collective bargaining agreement for 2020-2023 (8-1, Kallman no)
- Passed police pay plan ordinance for July 1, 2020-June 30, 2023 (8-1, Kallman no)
- Confirmed William L. Goodwin Jr. to Parks Commission (unanimous)
- Confirmed John S. Baxter Jr. to Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency (unanimous)
- Confirmed Gina Lisa DiSpirito to Advisory Commission on Arts and Culture (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including communications on racism, COVID-19 recreation, and false alarm ordinance referral (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of June 10, 2020 meetings (unanimous)
- Passed motions requesting updates on railroad tracks, Armistice Boulevard median, Slater Park tennis courts, Max Read Field track, and Newport/Central Avenues property (unanimous)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a construction and maintenance agreement with the state for the Transit Emphasis Corridor (TEC) improvements for the Pawtucket/Central Falls bus hub and commuter rail station. The council also passed resolutions for the Town Landing project, a proclamation of Pride Month, and approved two damage claims. Several communications were referred to committees, and motions were passed regarding police details, social service agency relationships, a public listening session on racial tensions, and fireworks complaints.
- Approved TEC construction and maintenance agreement (8-0)
- Approved Town Landing design, construction and maintenance agreement (7-0)
- Approved Pride Month proclamation (7-0)
- Approved damage claims: Deanna Mangum $1,350, Gary Albert $300 (7-0)
- Denied David Celio damage claim, referred to DPW to fix sidewalk (7-0)
- Referred Dexter Street Commons and Beatty Street parking lot communications to committees
- Passed motion to request police detail at Urban Ave and Dora St for speeding and trucking (8-0)
- Passed motion to request police chief explore relationships with social service agencies (8-0)
Special City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council held a special session via Zoom and passed an ordinance amending Chapter 76 (Real Property Transactions) regarding the length of leases. The council also passed a resolution authorizing a ground lease option agreement with Fortuitous Partners, LLC for properties at 45 Division Street and Tidewater. A collective bargaining agreement with the police union and a related pay plan ordinance were tabled and referred to the Finance Committee.
- Passed ordinance amending Chapter 76 (Real Property Transactions) on lease length (8-0)
- Passed resolution authorizing ground lease option agreement with Fortuitous Partners, LLC for 45 Division Street and Tidewater (8-0)
- Tabled police collective bargaining agreement (2020-2023) and referred to Finance Committee (8-0)
- Tabled police pay plan ordinance (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2023) and referred to Finance Committee (8-0)
Special City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council held a special session via videoconference and approved an ordinance amendment to Chapter 76, allowing lease agreements exceeding 10 years for properties tied to the Tidewater Landing Development Project. The amendment passed unanimously (7-0). A separate ordinance on leases exceeding 10 years was indefinitely postponed, also unanimously. The council also passed a motion to have the clerk request attorney Joel Votolato review a proposed ground lease option agreement with Fortuitous Partners, LLC for properties at 45 Division Street and Tidewater.
- Approved ordinance amendment allowing leases over 10 years for Tidewater Landing properties (7-0)
- Indefinitely postponed ordinance on leases exceeding 10 years (7-0)
- Passed motion to request attorney review of ground lease option agreement with Fortuitous Partners, LLC (voice vote)
Special City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council held a special session via Zoom and passed a resolution amending the authorization for temporary outdoor restaurant seating, as amended. The amendments added that the City Clerk's Office shall not accept applications for permanent expansion of premises for Class BV license holders until October 1, 2020, and changed outdoor alcohol service hours to between 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., with last call at 10:30 p.m. The council also tabled and referred two ordinances amending Chapter 76 (Real Property Transactions) regarding lease lengths to the Ordinance and City Property Committees, and filed a communication from the Council President calling the special session. All votes were unanimous with no dissenting votes.
- Passed resolution amending temporary outdoor restaurant seating authorization, as amended (8-0)
- Added amendment: City Clerk's Office shall not accept permanent expansion applications for Class BV license holders until October 1, 2020 (8-0)
- Added amendment: Outdoor alcohol service allowed 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., last call 10:30 p.m. (8-0)
- Tabled and referred ordinance on 'Real Property Transactions' (Length of Lease) to Ordinance and City Property Committees (7-0)
- Tabled and referred ordinance on 'Real Property Transactions' (Leases exceeding 10 years) to Ordinance and City Property Committees (8-0)
- Filed communication from Council President calling the special session (8-0)
Special City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council held a special session via Zoom and passed several items unanimously. It approved a resolution authorizing temporary outdoor restaurant seating, with amendments setting hours for food and alcohol service through September 30, 2020. The council also passed resolutions encouraging virtual real estate tours and addressing parking enforcement on Waltham Street, as well as the Capital Improvement Program 2021-2025, Capital Budget 2020-2021, and Annual Operating Budget 2020-2021 ordinances.
- Approved resolution authorizing temporary outdoor restaurant seating, as amended (9-0)
- Approved amendment setting outdoor food service hours 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and alcohol service 4 p.m.-10 p.m. with last call 9:30 p.m., effective through Sept. 30, 2020 (9-0)
- Approved resolution requesting realtors conduct virtual tours rather than in-person tours when possible (9-0)
- Passed motion to request DPW and police address parking on Waltham Street and sidewalk (9-0)
- Passed Capital Improvement Program Ordinance 2021-2025 (9-0)
- Passed Capital Budget Ordinance 2020-2021 (9-0)
- Passed Annual Operating Budget Ordinance 2020-2021 (9-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council met via Zoom and approved several items, including the consent agenda, a resolution supporting bond legislation for FY2022-2023, and an ordinance amending the Pawtucket Redevelopment Plan (Amendment No. 16). The FY21 budget was laid on the table and referred to the Finance Committee with a public hearing set for May 6, 2020. All votes were unanimous (9-0).
- Approved consent agenda (9-0)
- Approved resolution supporting bond legislation for FY2022-2023 (9-0)
- Approved ordinance amending the Pawtucket Redevelopment Plan, Amendment No. 16 (9-0)
- Approved ordinance repealing and replacing pay rates for Local 1012, as amended (9-0)
- Approved ordinance repealing and replacing pay rates for Local 3960, as amended (9-0)
- Confirmed Brandon P. Murphy to Public Library Board of Trustees (9-0)
- Referred FY21 budget to Finance Committee, public hearing set for May 6, 2020
- Referred T-Mobile lease and brewery/distillery funding requests to committees
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved Amendment No. 16 to the Redevelopment Plan, expanding the redevelopment area, and passed three ordinances updating firefighter pay schedules for different periods. It also authorized a letter of intent with Fortuitous Partners for leasing and redeveloping properties at 45 Division Street and Tidewater, and approved a National Grid petition for a joint pole to connect solar service at 525 Narragansett Park Drive, deemed an emergency for COVID-19 response. All votes were unanimous (5-0 or 8-0).
- Approved Amendment No. 16 to the Pawtucket Redevelopment Plan (8-0)
- Authorized letter of intent with Fortuitous Partners for lease/redevelopment of 45 Division Street and Tidewater (5-0)
- Passed zoning ordinance regulating maximum fence height for corner lots (5-0)
- Passed firefighter pay schedule ordinance for July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019 (5-0)
- Passed firefighter pay schedule ordinance for July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 (5-0)
- Passed firefighter pay schedule ordinance for July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023 (5-0)
- Approved National Grid joint pole petition for solar service at 525 Narragansett Park Drive, pending DPW approval (5-0)
- Approved $500 claim payment to Amicle Oriol (5-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved a 10-year tax stabilization agreement for HCI Corp dba Change Healthcare for tangible personal property at 100 Freight Street. The council also ratified collective bargaining agreements with the firefighters' union (IAFF Local 1261) covering 2016-2023, passed several ordinances including zoning changes and pay rate schedules, and confirmed Mark Theroux to the Water Supply Board. All votes were unanimous (8-0) with Councilor Barry absent.
- Approved 10-year tax stabilization agreement for HCI Corp/Change Healthcare at 100 Freight St. (8-0)
- Ratified collective bargaining agreements with IAFF Local 1261 for 2016-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2023 (8-0)
- Confirmed Mark Theroux to Pawtucket Water Supply Board (8-0)
- Passed ordinance reclassifying Chief Accountant from R49 to R53 (8-0)
- Passed ordinance removing 120 Progress St. from Historic District (8-0)
- Passed first reading of fence height ordinance for corner lots (8-0)
- Passed first readings of three fire department pay rate ordinances (8-0)
- Denied claim by Amicle Oriol for $2,035.26 (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council confirmed nine appointees to the Charter Review Commission, plus several other board appointments, and passed a zoning ordinance removing 120 Progress Street from the Historic District. It also approved a tax abatement resolution totaling $93,988.92 and passed resolutions supporting climate adaptation, nuclear war prevention, and moving the primary election. Several motions were passed to request information or actions from city officials, including traffic camera revenue and crosswalk repainting.
- Confirmed 9 Charter Review Commission appointees (9-0)
- Confirmed Robert H. Coderre to Parks Commission (9-0)
- Confirmed Camille C. Carino to Public Library Board of Trustees (9-0)
- Confirmed W. Bruce Tillinghast, Carol A. Jackson, Paul C. Mowrey to Historic District Commission (9-0 each)
- Confirmed Maria M. Pavao to Board of Canvassers (9-0)
- Approved tax abatement resolution for Oct-Dec 2019 totaling $93,988.92 (9-0)
- Passed zoning ordinance removing 120 Progress Street from Historic District (9-0)
- Passed resolution supporting Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund (8-1, Mercer no)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved several ordinances on second reading, including pay rate schedules for non-union, classified, department head, and Local 1012 positions, as well as an amendment to the tax stabilization program. It also passed resolutions for reimbursement of expenses related to the Tidewater Landing project and the Public Safety Complex, and confirmed two mayoral appointments. A claim for damages by Jonathan Ellen was denied, while two other claims were referred for further review.
- Approved pay rate ordinance for unclassified non-union positions (8-0)
- Approved pay rate ordinance for classified non-union positions (8-0)
- Approved pay rate ordinance for heads of departments (8-0)
- Approved pay rate ordinance for Local 1012 (8-0)
- Approved tax stabilization program amendment (8-0)
- Approved Tidewater Landing expense reimbursement resolution (8-0)
- Approved Public Safety Complex expense reimbursement resolution (8-0)
- Denied Jonathan Ellen damage claim of $327.02 (8-0)
City Council Session
The Pawtucket City Council approved the consent agenda and the reappointment of Arthur M. Plitt to the Pension Board, pending mayoral confirmation. An ordinance amending the fortune telling chapter was passed on first reading. Two damage claims were referred to the legal department. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these routine items.
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous voice vote)
- Approved Arthur M. Plitt reappointment to Pension Board (9-0 roll call)
- Passed ordinance amending Chapter 222 (Fortune Telling) on first reading (9-0 roll call)
- Referred Alessandro Cassone $600 claim to Legal Department (unanimous voice vote)
- Referred Mory Kaba $2,940 claim to Legal Department and RI Interlocal Trust (unanimous voice vote)