Cranston public meetings in 2024
19 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council unanimously ratified the collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 2044 covering school employees for 2024-2027, approved real estate tax abatements and tax interest waivers, and confirmed Stephen Piscopiello as Parks and Recreation Director. The council also adopted ordinances amending the sidewalk cost share program and adding a stop intersection at Flint Ave and Packard St., and referred a petition to abandon part of Elmhurst Avenue back to the Public Works Committee.
- Ratified school union contract with AFSCME Local 2044 (unanimous)
- Approved real estate tax abatements as requested by Tax Assessor (unanimous)
- Approved tax interest waivers for November 2024 (unanimous)
- Appointed Stephen Piscopiello as Parks and Recreation Director (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 10-24-01 amending sidewalk cost share program (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 9-24-02 adding stop intersection at Flint Ave & Packard St. (unanimous)
- Referred Elmhurst Avenue abandonment petition back to Public Works Committee (unanimous)
- Approved 2025 meeting calendar for Council and committees (unanimous)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council approved a resolution calling for an independent investigation into allegations in a lawsuit against the Mayor and city officials, passing 5-3. The council also approved two new liquor licenses, tax abatements, and an ARPA fund expenditure resolution. A proposed ordinance targeting homelessness was introduced and referred to committee, with public opposition heard.
- Approved resolution for independent investigation into Broccoli lawsuit (5-3)
- Approved ARPA fund expenditure resolution (8-0)
- Approved new liquor license for makmak EATERY (8-0)
- Approved new liquor license for LaEskina (8-0)
- Approved real estate and tangible tax abatements (8-0)
- Approved tax interest waivers for October 2024 (8-0)
- Approved ordinance closing westerly end of Honeysuckle Drive (8-0)
- Approved ordinance prohibiting through trucking on certain streets (8-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council held its regular monthly meeting on October 28, 2024, approving multiple appointments, ordinances, and tax abatements. The most significant action was the rejection of Ralph Baccari's appointment to a full membership on the Juvenile Hearing Board, with a 4-5 vote, after debate about replacing a sitting member. The council also unanimously approved two ordinances, including a zoning change at 495 Atwood Avenue, and several appointments to the Probate Judge Advisory Commission and Juvenile Hearing Board. The council moved into executive session to discuss litigation and collective bargaining, and later approved a judgment related to the Mayor's lawsuit over ARPA funds.
- Rejected appointment of Ralph Baccari to Juvenile Hearing Board (4-5)
- Approved tax abatements as recommended by Finance Committee (9-0)
- Approved tax interest waivers for September 2024 (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance 08-24-01 amending multi-way stop intersections (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance 08-24-02 zoning change at 495 Atwood Avenue (9-0)
- Appointed Jessica Salter, Michelle Bergin-Conti, Susan M. Pires, Ann Marie Maccarone to Probate Judge Advisory Commission (9-0 each)
- Re-appointed Carol Aguasvivas, Pamela T. Schiff, Kathryn M. Crowley to Juvenile Hearing Board (9-0 each)
- Approved judgment in Mayor Hopkins v. City Council litigation in executive session (9-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council held a special meeting on September 30, 2024, and unanimously approved Ordinance 9-24-01, adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan as corrected by the Planning Director. The plan includes changes addressing omissions raised at a prior public hearing. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included public comments and adjournment.
- Approved Ordinance 9-24-01 adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan (9-0)
- Adjourned at 5:46 P.M. (all ayes)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council approved an amended ordinance regulating door-to-door soliciting, requiring applicants to obtain multi-state background checks at their own expense. It also passed a new zoning ordinance on fences and walls, capping residential fences at 6 feet unless a valid reason exists, with a 7-2 vote. The council created a subcommittee on homeless encampments and appointed Justin Erickson as Republican alternate to the Canvassing Authority. Several other items, including an independent investigation resolution and a 4-way stop request, were referred to committees.
- Approved Ordinance 05-24-03 (soliciting at houses) as amended, requiring BCI and NCIC background checks at applicant's expense (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance 08-24-06 (fences and walls) adding Chapter 17.124, capping residential fences at 6ft unless unnecessarily exceeded (7-2)
- Approved Resolution creating a Sub-Committee on Homeless Encampments (9-0)
- Appointed Justin Erickson as Republican Alternate to the Cranston Canvassing Authority (9-0)
- Approved real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements as requested by Tax Assessor (9-0 each)
- Ratified School Committee collective bargaining agreements with NAGE Local RI-153 and RI Laborers District Council 1322 (9-0 each)
- Referred resolution for independent investigation into lawsuit against Mayor and city employees to Finance Committee
- Referred ordinance adding 4-way stop at Packard St. and Flint Ave. to Ordinance Committee
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council approved new Class BV liquor licenses for Spectacle Live Park Theatre and Vincent Restaurant, and passed resolutions requesting funding for lead safety law enforcement and authorizing real estate tax abatements. The council also approved ordinances regarding sidewalk cost-sharing and the repeal of the panhandling ordinance, appointed Connor Mathis to the Cranston Arts Commission, and referred various new business items and claims to subcommittees.
- Approved minutes of July 22, 2024 Regular Council Meeting (8-0)
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Spectacle Live Park Theatre at 848 Park Ave & 0 Pontiac Ave (9-0)
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Vincent Restaurant at 24 Haven Ave (9-0)
- Approved resolution requesting administration to seek funding for lead safety law enforcement (9-0)
- Approved resolution authorizing real estate tax abatements (9-0)
- Approved July 2024 tax interest waiver approvals (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance 07-24-01 for sidewalk cost share program (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance 07-24-02 repealing panhandling regulations (9-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council failed to override Mayor Hopkins' veto of the zone change at 0 Sage Drive, with a 5-3 vote (one recusal) falling short of the required two-thirds majority. The council unanimously approved two new liquor licenses, tax abatements, a police union agreement, and several appointments. New business items, including a sidewalk cost share program and a panhandling ordinance repeal, were referred to committees.
- Override of mayoral veto for 0 Sage Drive zone change failed (5-3, 1 recusal)
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Iannuccilli II at 1785 Cranston St. (9-0)
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Mexico City Tacos & Tequila at 1177 Reservoir Ave. (9-0)
- Approved real estate and tangible tax abatements as recommended (9-0)
- Approved tax interest waivers for June 2024 (9-0)
- Ratified IBPO Local 301 collective bargaining agreement (9-0)
- Appointed Lisa D. Kirshenbaum to Public Library Board of Trustees (9-0)
- Re-appointed Ivy Swinski to Zoning Board of Review (9-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council voted 5-2 to approve a zoning change at 0 Sage Drive from A80 to A20, with Councilwoman Haroian recused. The council also approved a $40 million school bond authorization and an ordinance directing police impact fees toward police rent. Several appointments were approved, and new business items including a $2.5 million ARPA allocation and a police union agreement were referred to committees. The council met in executive session on pending litigation but reported no motions were made.
- Approved rezoning at 0 Sage Drive from A80 to A20 (5-2, Haroian recused)
- Approved $40,000,000 school bond authorization (8-0)
- Approved ordinance using police impact fees toward police rent (8-0)
- Approved real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements (8-0 each)
- Approved tax interest waiver approvals for May 2024 (8-0)
- Approved Board of Canvassers/Registrar ordinance (8-0)
- Appointed Ralph Baccari to Juvenile Hearing Board; re-appointed Cowart and DiNofrio (8-0 each)
- Referred $2.5M ARPA ordinance and police union MOA to Finance Committee; claims to Claims Committee (8-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council hired Angell Law LLC to serve as litigation counsel to represent the Council and its members in a lawsuit filed by Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins. The lawsuit concerns the legality of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating and Capital Budgets. The Council also voted to seal the minutes of the executive session where these decisions were made.
- Hired Angell Law LLC as litigation counsel for the City Council and its members (6-1)
- Approved contract to engage services of Angell Law LLC (6-1)
- Voted to seal the minutes of the Executive Session (7-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Council approved an ordinance to align the city's minimum wage with the state's starting January 1, 2025, and removed exemptions for seasonal and high school workers. The body also approved two over-the-cap liquor licenses and a real estate tax abatement resolution.
- Approved Ordinance 03-24-02 to match city minimum wage to state wage effective Jan 1, 2025 (9-0)
- Approved over-the-cap Class BV Liquor License for The Spot Bar and Grill (9-0)
- Approved over-the-cap Class BV Liquor License for Kaffeology (9-0)
- Approved resolution for real estate tax abatements (9-0)
- Approved tax interest waiver denials for April 2024 (9-0)
- Approved appointment of Susan Maria Pires to the Juvenile Hearing Board (9-0)
- Approved pension roll request for Sergeant Anthony Massimino (9-0)
- Denied motion to enter ACLU letter into the record (3-6)
Special City Council Meeting
At a special meeting on May 6, 2024, the Cranston City Council voted 6-3 to override Mayor vetoes of its amendments and additions to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. The overrides covered revenue increases, spending reductions, and the use of ARPA funds instead of bond proceeds for capital projects, including school and municipal building work. The administration opposed the overrides, citing concerns about deficits, bond rating impacts, and the loss of RIDE reimbursement; the Council majority defended them as fiscally responsible and supportive of schools. All override motions carried by identical 6-3 votes, with Ferri, Haroian, Donegan, Wall, Vargas, and Marino in favor and Renzulli, Campopiano, and Paplauskas opposed.
- Overrode veto of $15,000 increase in Inspections - Administrative Penalties revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $750 increase in Finance - Other Revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $15,000 increase in Police - VIN Verification revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $15,000 increase in Public Works - Street Opening Permits revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $30,000 increase in Highway Maintenance - Public Works Highway Misc revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $1,500 increase in Engineering - Inspection Fee Sub-Divisions revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $25,000 increase in Parks & Rec - Parks & Recreation Receipts revenue (6-3)
- Overrode veto of $220,000 increase in State Aid, Taxes & General Revenue COVID-19 (ARPA) revenue (6-3)
Special City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget and Capital Improvement Program. A significant portion of the meeting involved a legal dispute over using ARPA funds for projects not originally included in the Mayor's budget. Despite objections from the City Solicitor regarding Charter compliance, the Council voted 6-3 to amend the budget, adding ARPA funds for sidewalks, technology, and traffic safety, and shifting $4.2 million in school and public building projects from bond financing to ARPA funding.
- Adopted FY2024-2025 Operating and Capital Budgets (6-3)
- Amended Sidewalk Program budget by $100,000 using ARPA funds (6-3)
- Added $25,000 for Municipal Code Recodification using ARPA funds (6-3)
- Increased Video Streaming budget by $15,000 using ARPA funds (6-3)
- Increased Traffic Sign Materials budget by $80,000 using ARPA funds (6-3)
- Shifted $4.2M in Capital Budget projects (schools, police, parks) to ARPA funding (6-3)
- Authorized tax assessment and levy for real estate and personal property (8-1)
- Fixed tax due dates and penalty schedules (9-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council appointed Kristen E. Haroian as Ward 2 Council member to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Aniece Germain. A motion to continue the appointment failed 3-5, and the appointment then carried 5-2 with one abstention. The Council also approved two ordinances amending the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code for 20 Goddard Drive, a parking ordinance, and several resolutions, all by unanimous votes.
- Appointed Kristen E. Haroian as Ward 2 Council member (5-2, 1 abstention); motion to continue the appointment failed (3-5)
- Approved Ordinance 02-24-02 amending the 2010 Comprehensive Plan for 20 Goddard Drive (8-0)
- Approved Ordinance 02-24-03 amending Chapter 17 Zoning Code for 20 Goddard Drive (8-0)
- Approved Ordinance 03-24-01 amending Title 10 parking regulations (8-0)
- Approved Ordinance 01-24-01 for a stop intersection at Plantation Drive, Elm Drive, and Magazine Street (8-0)
- Approved resolution requesting USPS establish normal mail delivery to Fiskeville residents (8-0)
- Approved liquor license transfer from Class BVL to Class BV for Lunch Box Café at 751 Park Ave. (8-0)
- Referred Ordinance 04-24-01 (change of zone at 0 Sage Drive) to Ordinance Committee (9-0); referred 11 claims to Claims Committee (9-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council held a special meeting to continue discussion of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2023, presented by Marcum LLP. Council President Marino questioned safeguards regarding financial system access and the centralization of grant reporting. Director of Finance Thomas Zidelis explained the $4 million surplus was driven by higher interest income and lower snow removal costs, and stated that grant tracking is being centralized. No motions were voted on or decisions made during this session.
- No formal decisions or votes recorded
- Discussion continued on FY2023 financial audit findings
- Finance Director reported $4M surplus in FY2023
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council conducted a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Residents and officials provided testimony supporting the Knightsville project. No budget appropriations were decided during this meeting.
- Approved adding public testimony emails to the record (8-0)
Special City Council Meeting
Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins presented a proposed $323,328,164 operating budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which includes no local tax increase. The Council received several budget-related ordinances and resolutions for informational purposes, which were referred to future committee meetings. Additionally, the Council voted to refer an ordinance regarding minimum wage to the April 8 Special Finance Committee meeting.
- Referred minimum wage ordinance 03-24-02 to April 8 Finance Committee (6-2)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:38 P.M. (Unanimous)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council accepted the annual audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Members discussed the impact of ARPA funding on the city's surplus and the status of the school lunch program's deficit.
- Accepted the FY2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (7-0)
- Referred resolution for June 4, 2024 special referendum election to Finance Committee (8-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council passed an ordinance to license and regulate short-term lenders to prevent predatory lending. The council also confirmed the appointment of Robert Ryan as Fire Chief and approved several tax abatements.
- Approved Ordinance 01-24-02 to regulate business licenses for short-term lenders (8-0)
- Approved Ordinance 01-24-03 regarding fees for licenses, permits, and recordings (8-0)
- Confirmed appointment of Robert Ryan as Fire Chief (8-0)
- Approved real estate and motor vehicle tax abatements (8-0)
- Approved Ordinance 9-23-05 amending industrial uses zoning (8-0)
- Approved resolutions to place Home Rule Charter amendments on the ballot (6-2)
- Appointed Ivy Swinski to the Zoning Board of Review (8-0)
- Continued Ordinance 1-24-01 regarding a stop intersection to April meeting (8-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved tax interest waivers, real estate tax abatements, and an ordinance regarding commercial vehicle parking. The council also appointed a new member to the Board of Canvassers and approved a service extension for a police major.
- Approved tax interest waiver approvals for December 2023 (6-0)
- Approved real estate tax abatements as recommended by Tax Assessor (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 11-23-01 regarding 'No Parking – Commercial Vehicles' (6-0)
- Appointed Kirk McDonough to the Cranston Board of Canvassers (6-0)
- Approved one-year continuation of service for Major Robert Quirk (6-0)
- Approved minutes from Dec 18 and Dec 19, 2023 meetings (6-0)
- Referred a $7.2 million federal grant resolution to Finance Committee (6-0)
- Referred appointment of Robert Ryan as Fire Chief to Finance Committee (6-0)