The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Cranston, RI

Cranston public meetings in 2021

35 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 20, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council tables Trolley Barn zoning changes, approves tax abatements

The Cranston City Council tabled two ordinances related to the Trolley Barn property at 777 Cranston St. for further edits, and approved several routine tax abatement resolutions. The council also approved placing Fire Deputy Chief Lawrence Caron Jr. on pension and reappointed Carl A. Santucci to the Conservation Commission. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these administrative actions.

Mon Nov 22, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council denies Sage Drive zone change, overrides mayor's paving veto

The Council denied a zoning change for 0 Sage Dr. (Ordinance 7-21-17) on a 7-2 vote, after hearing opposition from residents. It also overrode the mayor's veto of Ordinance 7-21-08 (street paving) on a 6-3 vote, despite the city solicitor's warning that it violated the charter. The Council adopted several ordinances, including tax freeze changes, a Teamsters contract, and a resolution on ARPA funds with a public survey amendment.

Wed Nov 17, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council holds special meeting, enters executive session, seals minutes

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting on November 17, 2021, with five members present and four absent. The council voted 5-0 to enter executive session for litigation, job performance, and investigative proceedings, then voted 5-0 to exit and seal the minutes. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Thu Oct 28, 2021

Joint City Council Meeting with City Plan Commission

✓ Decided: Joint site visit held for Trolley Barn Plaza development; no votes taken

The Cranston City Council and City Plan Commission held a joint public site visit for a proposed commercial development at 777 Cranston Street (Trolley Barn Plaza). No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, featuring a presentation and Q&A. The City Plan Commission lacked a quorum, so no official action could be taken.

Mon Oct 25, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council sends amended rooster ban back to committee for more work

The Cranston City Council voted 5-4 to amend a proposed ordinance prohibiting roosters, adding exceptions for farms and certain large owner-occupied properties. After the amendment passed, the council voted 5-4 to send the amended ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee for further review rather than adopting it. The council also adopted several other ordinances and resolutions, including tax abatements, street paving changes, and recognition resolutions.

Mon Sep 27, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council adopts African heritage history resolution 7-2, approves zone change at 1369 Park Ave.

The Cranston City Council adopted a resolution urging the School Committee to implement African heritage history education in the public school curriculum, passing 7-2. It also approved a zone change for 1369 Park Ave. and 0 Park Ave. (Ordinance 7-21-10) after adding co-sponsors, and adopted several other ordinances and resolutions, including tax abatements and a motor vehicle parking amendment. The council referred multiple new ordinances to committees, including a proposed rooster prohibition and a chicken hen ordinance.

Mon Sep 27, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

Cranston Council appoints Campopiano to Ward 4, elects Ferri VP

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting to fill two vacancies. It voted 8-0 to appoint Richard D. Campopiano as Ward 4 Council member, replacing Edward Brady, who resigned. The council then elected Councilman Ferri as Council Vice-President over Councilwoman Renzulli. The meeting was brief and procedural, adjourning after about five minutes.

city-councilappointmentvacancyleadership
Mon Sep 13, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council discusses police license plate camera pilot program

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting to discuss the police department's license plate camera pilot program, which was already in operation. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational only, with the police chief explaining the program and members of the public speaking for and against it.

Mon Aug 23, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council ratifies LIUNA contract and four school union agreements

The Cranston City Council unanimously ratified the LIUNA Local 1322 contract and four school collective bargaining agreements, all by 9-0 votes. The council also approved budget transfer ordinances, tax abatement resolutions, and a liquor license transfer. A request to change a firefighter's pension from service to disability was approved in executive session.

Sat Aug 21, 2021

Joint City Council Meeting with City Plan Commission

✓ Decided: Council and Plan Commission tour Cranston Print Works for redevelopment proposal

The City Council and City Plan Commission held a joint site visit at the Cranston Print Works complex to review a proposal by Brady Sullivan to redevelop the site into approximately 225 residential units, self-storage, and contractor flex space. No formal votes or decisions were made during the site walk; it was an informational tour. The applicant discussed the need for a zone change from M-1, historic tax credits, brownfield and floodplain issues, and answered questions from officials and the public.

Mon Jul 26, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council appoints Emerson Brito as Bilingual Election Specialist (6-1)

The Cranston City Council appointed Emerson Brito as Bilingual Election Specialist on a 6-1 vote, despite legal concerns raised by the City Solicitor about the appointment's authority and potential union grievance costs. The Council also adopted ordinances amending sewer service, loading zones on Plainfield St. and Tweed St., and approved a one-year service continuation for Fire Captain Lawrence E. Caron Jr. Several other ordinances were withdrawn, continued, or referred to committees.

Mon Jun 28, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council adopts Doula Reimbursement Act resolution, amended 9-0

The Council approved a resolution urging the General Assembly to pass the Doula Reimbursement Act (HB5929), amended to include bill numbers H5929 Substitute A and S0484, and to transmit copies to the Governor and bill sponsors. The Council also adopted ordinances to apply police impact fees toward police headquarters rent and to amend business license regulations for fireworks vendors, both 9-0. Tax abatement resolutions for real estate, motor vehicle, and tangible taxes were adopted, along with tax interest waivers. Dr. Taino J. Palermo was re-appointed to the Library Board of Trustees.

Mon Jun 28, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

Cranston City Council holds special meeting, enters executive session on waste management

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on June 28, 2021. The sole substantive action was a unanimous 9-0 vote to enter executive session to discuss Waste Management job performance, followed by a unanimous vote to return to open session and seal the executive session minutes. No votes were taken in executive session, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.

city-councilexecutive-sessionwaste-managementspecial-meeting
Thu Jun 17, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council hears Waste Management's yard waste delays, fines confirmed

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting to discuss ongoing yard waste pickup delays by Waste Management. The council heard from Waste Management's area director, who cited pandemic-related volume increases and a national driver shortage. It was confirmed that Waste Management is being fined $1,000 per day for missed pickups, with the amount credited against invoices. The council scheduled a follow-up meeting for September before the fall cleanup.

Mon Jun 7, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council adopts resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Month

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on June 7, 2021, and adopted a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Month. The vote was unanimous, 9-0. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned shortly after.

Mon May 24, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council overrides mayor's veto to keep Diversity Commission ordinance

The Cranston City Council voted 9-0 to override Mayor Hopkins' veto of Ordinance 3-21-02, which codifies the Diversity Commission. The council also adopted a zoning ordinance (1-21-05) regarding substandard lots, approved tax abatements, and referred several new ordinances to committees.

Mon May 24, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

Council holds executive session on Teamsters contract, no votes taken

The Cranston City Council met in special session via Zoom and voted 7-0 to enter executive session for collective bargaining negotiations with Teamsters Local Union 251 for the FY July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024 contract. No votes were taken in executive session, and the minutes were sealed by an 8-0 vote. The meeting was otherwise procedural and adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

city-councilexecutive-sessioncollective-bargainingteamsterslabor
Mon May 10, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council overrides mayor's vetoes on budget items, including bilingual canvasser position

The Cranston City Council voted to override multiple mayoral vetoes related to the FY2022 budget, restoring funding for several line items. The most significant override restored funding for a full-time bilingual position in the Board of Canvassers, which the mayor had vetoed as unnecessary in a non-election year. The council also overrode vetoes on funding for City Council legal counsel, council contingency, orders of the council, and other budget items.

Thu May 6, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council adopts FY2022 operating budget with numerous amendments

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting to consider and amend the FY2022 budget. After a lengthy series of amendments, the Council adopted the operating budget, salary schedule, capital budget, and related tax ordinances, all by 9-0 votes. Key changes included creating a new full-time Bilingual Canvassing Specialist position, adding a new Inspections position, and various adjustments to revenue and expense line items.

Mon May 3, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council holds special meeting, enters executive session

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on May 3, 2021, and voted to enter executive session for potential litigation. No votes were taken in executive session, and the minutes were sealed. The meeting adjourned without any substantive public decisions.

Mon Apr 26, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council adopts amended mini-bike ordinance, diversity commission changes

The Cranston City Council approved an amended ordinance regulating mini-bikes and ATVs on public property, adding protections for conservation land and trails, and directing fines to the general fund. The Council also adopted an amended ordinance restructuring the Diversity Commission, reducing its size and changing member appointment rules. Several other resolutions and ordinances were approved, including the teachers' union contract and tax abatements.

Mon Apr 26, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

Council holds executive session on LIUNA union contract

The Cranston City Council met in a special session via Zoom to discuss collective bargaining negotiations with LIUNA Local Union 1322 for the fiscal years July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. The council voted unanimously to enter executive session, then reconvened and voted to seal the minutes. No votes were taken during the executive session, and the meeting adjourned shortly after.

city-councilexecutive-sessionlabor-negotiationsliuna
Mon Apr 19, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council holds special meeting, enters executive session on personnel

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on April 19, 2021, and voted unanimously (8-0) to enter executive session under RIGL 42-46-5(a)(1) for personnel matters. After the session, the council voted 8-0 to come out of executive session and to seal the minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

Thu Apr 15, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council appoints Steven Moretti as Municipal Court Associate Judge (5-3)

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom and made two judicial appointments. Steven Moretti was appointed Municipal Court Associate Judge on a 5-3 vote, and Raymond Coia was appointed Auxiliary Judge unanimously (8-0). Moretti was sworn in during the meeting.

Sat Apr 3, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council holds special budget meeting, hears public comment

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on April 3, 2021, primarily to hear public comments on the budget. No formal decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting. The Council President stated that any departments not heard that day would be referred to a future Budget Hearing. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 P.M.

Thu Apr 1, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston Council refers FY2022 budget to finance committee hearings (9-0)

At a special meeting, Mayor Hopkins presented his first budget address for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The City Council voted 9-0 to refer the operating budget, salary schedule, tax levy, and related ordinances to Special Finance Committee meetings scheduled for April 3, 7, 8, 12, 21, and 26, 2021. No final budget decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 5:49 P.M.

Mon Mar 22, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council approves redistricting plan without excluding prison population

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing a redistricting commission for the six wards, but rejected an amendment to exclude the incarcerated population at the ACI from Ward 6's count. The amendment failed 4-5, and the original resolution passed 5-4. The council also approved several bond orders, including $147 million for school construction, and confirmed James Warren as Fire Chief.

Wed Mar 10, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council hears schools face near-flat state aid increase of $36,000

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting to hear from school officials about the state's school funding formula. The district is projected to receive only a $36,000 increase in state aid for the next fiscal year, which officials called 'stunning.' No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Mon Feb 22, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council adopts resolution urging moratorium on charter school expansion

The Cranston City Council adopted a resolution urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass H5193 and S0013, which would place a three-year moratorium on charter school expansion. The council also adopted a resolution urging the passage of H5257 and S0121 to end source of income discrimination. Additionally, the council nullified the actions of several February 11 committee meetings due to Zoom access issues, approved tax abatements and a new liquor license, and made appointments to city boards.

Thu Feb 11, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council adopts Black History Month resolution after amendments

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom and voted unanimously (9-0) to adopt a resolution celebrating Black History Month in February. The resolution was amended twice before final adoption, including adding language proposed by Councilman Reilly and preserving original language about diversity. The meeting was procedural in nature, with no other substantive decisions made.

Mon Feb 1, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council held special meeting, entered executive session on potential litigation

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting via Zoom on February 1, 2021, and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation. After the session, they voted to come out and seal the minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

Mon Jan 25, 2021

Regular City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Council approves budget changes and confirms 10 mayoral appointments

The Cranston City Council approved two ordinances transferring appropriations and amending the FY2021 budget for administration position changes, both by a 5-4 vote. The council also provided advice and consent to 10 mayoral appointments, including Christopher Millea as City Solicitor and Robert Strom as Director of Finance, all by 9-0 votes. A resolution requesting $8 million in state stimulus funds for afterschool and summer programs was approved 9-0 after an amendment.

Thu Jan 21, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council adopts resolution urging state to ease COVID business restrictions

The Cranston City Council voted 8-0 to adopt a resolution requesting the Governor and General Assembly adjust public health guidelines and executive orders that are harming Rhode Island's small business community. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Brady and seconded by Councilwoman Renzulli, with several council members and the mayor speaking in support. The meeting was held via Zoom and adjourned at 6:25 P.M.

Mon Jan 4, 2021

58th Inaugural Ceremony

✓ Decided: Cranston City Council appoints new president, judges in 2021 inaugural meeting

The Cranston City Council held its 58th Inaugural Ceremony and special meeting on January 4, 2021, via Zoom. The council unanimously appointed John Paplauskas as Council President and John Brady as Vice-President, and reappointed Stephen Angell as City Council Legal Counsel, David DiMaio as City Auditor/Budget Analyst, Nicholas Lima as City Registrar, Ted Westcott as Harbor Master, and George M. Cappello as Probate Judge. After two failed votes, the council appointed Matthew Smith as Municipal Court Chief Judge, and filled other municipal court positions, including Angelyne Cooper as Associate Judge. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

Mon Jan 4, 2021

Special City Council Meeting

Council fails to override mayor's veto of fair housing ordinance

The Cranston City Council held a special meeting to consider overriding the Mayor's veto of Ordinance 9-20-05, which would amend Title 8 of the City Code regarding fair housing practices. After discussion, the override motion failed on a 5-2 vote with one abstention, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. The meeting was otherwise limited to this single item.

fair-housingveto-overrideordinancecity-council