Cranston public meetings in 2025
23 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special City Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved an amendment to Title 2 of the City Code concerning fire composition (8‑0). The council then voted 6‑2 to take as a block all newly introduced ordinances except 12‑25‑03S, which was withdrawn without prejudice. The approved block was referred to the Ordinance and Finance Committees as directed.
- Approved Ordinance amending Title 2 “Fire Composition” (8‑0)
- Took as a block all new business items except 12‑25‑03S (6‑2)
- Withdrew ordinance 12‑25‑03S without prejudice
- Referred 12‑25‑01S to Ordinance Committee (January 7 2026)
- Referred 12‑25‑02S to Finance Committee (January 5 2026)
- Referred 12‑25‑04S to Finance Committee (January 5 2026)
- Referred 12‑25‑05S to Finance Committee (January 5 2026)
- Referred 12‑25‑06S to Finance Committee (January 5 2026)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved a resolution asking the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass enabling legislation for a full‑jurisdiction Housing Court Division within the city’s Municipal Court. It also approved a grant application for Phase III of the Budlong Pool recreation project and several tax‑abatement and tax‑interest waiver resolutions. Additionally, three ordinances amending parking restrictions and council meeting advertising rules were adopted, all with 9‑0 votes.
- Approved Housing Court enabling legislation request (9-0)
- Approved Outdoor Recreation Grant for Budlong Pool Phase III (9-0)
- Approved Real Estate Tax Abatements resolution (9-0)
- Approved Motor Vehicle Tax Abatements resolution (9-0)
- Approved Tax Interest Waiver approvals resolution (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance amending "No Parking Weekdays" (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance amending "Advertising Special Meetings of the City Council" (9-0)
- Approved Ordinance amending "No Parking On Certain Streets – Generally" (9-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council amended the agenda to discuss the Patten case (8‑0). It approved the minutes from the October 27 and November 6 meetings (both 9‑0). A motion to place public photos into the record passed (9‑0). Finally, two liquor‑license applications – Alexas Pizza & Pasta and Café Rose – were approved subject to receipt of a RI Division of Taxation letter of good standing (each 9‑0).
- Amended agenda for Council President Communication update (8-0)
- Approved October 27, 2025 regular meeting minutes (9-0)
- Approved November 6, 2025 special meeting minutes (9-0)
- Entered public photos from Eva Lane into the record (9-0)
- Approved Alexas Pizza & Pasta liquor license, pending good‑standing letter (9-0)
- Approved Café Rose liquor license, pending good‑standing letter (9-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The City Council introduced a resolution supporting Cranston's application for the 2026 Green Space Outdoor Recreation Grant for improvements to the Friendly Playground. Council members Andujar, Buonanno, Campopiano, Vaziri and President Wall were added as co‑sponsors. The council voted to refer the resolution to the Ordinance Committee, passing the motion 6‑0. The meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m.
- Referred Resolution supporting 2026 Green Space Outdoor Recreation Grant to Ordinance Committee (6-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council adopted resolutions authorizing both real‑estate and tangible tax abatements as requested by the Tax Assessor. It also approved an amendment to the 2025‑2026 municipal budget affecting the Assistant Fire Chief salary and a Letter of Engagement for council legal services. Additionally, the council adopted resolutions recognizing Italian American Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Approved Real Estate Tax Abatements resolution (7-0)
- Approved Tangible Tax Abatements resolution (7-0)
- Adopted Ordinance amending 2025‑2026 municipal budget (Assistant Fire Chief salary) (7-0)
- Approved Letter of Engagement with Michael Marcello Esq. / Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution recognizing Italian American Heritage Month (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month (7-0)
- Approved September 22, 2025, September 25, 2025, and October 16, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved September 25, 2025 Executive Session sealed minutes (7-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The council approved a public hearing on docketed items, a new liquor license for Sonia’s Market, and appointed Attorney Michael Marcello as legal counsel (all 8‑0 votes). It also tabled an ordinance amendment to the Municipal Court code and referred the attorney’s engagement letter to the Finance Committee, each passing 8‑0.
- Approved public hearing on docketed matters only (8-0)
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Ara Enterprises d/b/a Sonia’s Market (8-0)
- Tabled Ordinance 08-25-01 amendment to Municipal Court code (8-0)
- Approved appointment of Attorney Michael Marcello as legal counsel (8-0)
- Referred Letter of Engagement with Michael Marcello to Finance Committee (8-0)
Special City Council Meeting
The council moved to an executive session and unanimously approved hiring Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP as litigation counsel, along with the engagement letter dated September 19, 2025. The council also approved returning to open session, sealing the executive‑session minutes, and adjourned the meeting.
- Motion to move to executive session approved (8 ayes)
- Motion to return to open session approved (8 ayes, unanimous)
- Motion to seal executive‑session minutes approved (8 ayes, unanimous)
- Motion to hire Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP and approve engagement letter approved (8 ayes, unanimous)
- Motion to adjourn approved (all ayes)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council approved a block of past meeting minutes and amended the September 11 minutes. Councilwoman Kristen E. Haroian was elected Vice‑President. Several items were approved, including a liquor license for Brewology LLC, tax‑abatement resolutions, a zoning ordinance for 1746 Cranston St, and an appointment to the Arts Commission.
- Approved block of minutes (all but Sep 11) – Ayes 9
- Amended Sep 11 minutes to change adjournment time – Ayes 9
- Elected Councilwoman Kristen E. Haroian as Vice‑President – Ayes 8, Abstain 1
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Brewology LLC – Ayes 9
- Approved resolution for real estate tax abatements – Ayes 9
- Approved resolution for motor vehicle tax abatements – Ayes 9
- Approved Ordinance 07-25-06 (zoning change for 1746 Cranston St) – Ayes 9
- Appointed Sara D. Porreca to the Cranston Arts Commission – Ayes 9
Special City Council Meeting
The council unanimously appointed Emilia Vaziri as a city‑wide member, filling the vacancy left by Councilwoman Jessica Marino. The City Clerk administered her oath of office. Council President Wall announced Vaziri will serve on all council committees. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 P.M.
- Agenda taken out of order (8‑0)
- Appointed Emilia Vaziri to city‑wide council seat (8‑0)
- Administered oath of office to Emilia Vaziri (no vote)
- Announced Vaziri will serve on all council committees (no vote)
- Meeting adjourned at 8:22 P.M. (all Ayes)
Special City Council Meeting
The council held a special meeting to discuss possible sites for a new municipal splash pad, but no vote was taken on a location. Councilman Campopiano moved, and Councilwoman Haroian seconded, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 PM. The motion passed with all votes in favor.
- Adjourned meeting at 6:30 PM (unanimous vote)
- No formal decision made on splash‑pad site (discussion only)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved resolutions for real estate and tangible tax abatements. It also approved several ordinances, including a school bus drivers collective bargaining agreement, a parking‑lot lease with the VFW, and two parking‑restriction amendments. In addition, the council appointed Carol A. Cooney to the Tax Assessment Board and re‑appointed Dean Perdikakis to the Zoning Board of Review.
- Approved Real Estate Tax Abatements (9‑0)
- Approved Tangible Tax Abatements (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 07-25-03 ratifying School Committee collective bargaining agreement (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 07-25-07 ratifying Parking Lot Lease with VFW Post 2396 (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 07-25-04 amending “No Parking of Commercial Vehicles” (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 07-25-05 amending “No Parking on Certain Streets” (9‑0)
- Appointed Carol A. Cooney to Tax Assessment Board of Review (9‑0)
- Re‑appointed Dean Perdikakis to Zoning Board of Review (8‑1)
Special City Council Meeting
The council approved a motion to refer the proposed amendment to the Letter of Engagement with council attorney Stephen J. Angell to the Finance Committee. The vote was 5 in favor (Graziano, Haroian, Andujar, Wall, Marino) and 4 against (Campopiano, Buonanno, Ritz, Traficante). The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. Minutes were later approved as written on September 22, 2025.
- Refer proposed amendment to Letter of Engagement with council attorney to Finance Committee (5-4)
- Adjourn meeting (unanimous)
- Approve minutes as written (recorded September 22, 2025)
Special City Council Meeting
The council voted 8-0 to adopt two ordinances ratifying the School Committee’s collective bargaining agreements with the Cranston Teachers’ Alliance Local 1704, AFT and its Paraprofessionals Unit. The same vote also referred the ordinances as a block to the Special Finance Committee for its July 24, 2025 meeting. No other actions were taken.
- Adopted two school collective bargaining ordinances (8-0)
- Referred the two ordinances to Special Finance Committee (8-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved a block of prior meeting minutes and a series of finance‑related actions, including a resolution authorizing real‑estate tax abatements and tax‑interest waivers for May 2025. It also adopted multiple ordinances covering the municipal budget, fire‑fighter contract, traffic‑safety changes, and various code amendments. Finally, the council re‑appointed David L. Cloxton to the Building Appeals Board.
- Approved block of minutes from May 27, June 2, and June 12 meetings (9‑0)
- Approved Resolution authorizing real‑estate tax abatements (9‑0)
- Approved Tax Interest Waivers for May 2025 (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 05‑25‑05 amending the engineering salary schedule (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 06‑25‑01 ratifying the IAFF fire‑fighter contract (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 04‑25‑02 amending multi‑way stop intersections (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 05‑25‑02 adding regulations for tobacco dealers (9‑0)
- Re‑appointed David L. Cloxton to the Building Appeals Board (9‑0)
Special City Council Meeting
The council considered Ordinance 6-25-01 to ratify the IAFF Local Union 1363 contract for July 1 2025‑June 30 2028. On a motion by Vice‑President Wall and second by Councilman Andujar, the ordinance was referred to the Special Finance Committee. The motion passed unanimously with an 8‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.
- Referred Ordinance 6-25-01 (IAFF contract) to Special Finance Committee – approved 8-0
Special City Council Meeting
The special city council meeting was held on June 2, 2025. The Special Ordinance Committee considered a resolution to request a state law amendment granting tax‑exempt status to the Little Flower Home at 85 West View Avenue. Council President Marino reported the committee denied the resolution, so no council vote was taken. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
- Resolution requesting tax‑exempt status for Little Flower Home denied (no vote)
- Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting
The council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month and a Class B liquor license for Equis Restaurant & Lounge. It also approved three school‑transportation resolutions and re‑appointed four board members, with one appointment passing 7‑1. All new business items were referred to the appropriate committees.
- Approved Pride Month resolution (8 Ayes, unanimous)
- Approved new Class B liquor license for Equis Restaurant & Lounge (8 Ayes, unanimous)
- Approved School Transportation Resolution for Out‑of‑District, Homeless and Private School Students (8 Ayes, unanimous)
- Approved School Transportation Resolution in Support of H‑5420, S‑636 & S‑397 (8 Ayes, unanimous)
- Approved Public Schools Fair Funding Formula resolution (8 Ayes, unanimous)
- Re‑appointed Mario Carlino to Zoning Board of Review (7 Ayes, 1 Nay)
- Re‑appointed Regina M. Spirito to Public Library Board of Trustees (8 Ayes, unanimous)
- Re‑appointed Diane L. Schaefer to Public Library Board of Trustees (8 Ayes, unanimous)
Special City Council Meeting
The council voted to approve a new Class BV liquor license for Merlinos, LLC d/b/a Merlinos Pizzeria located at 889 Dyer Ave. The motion was made by Councilwoman Haroian, seconded by Councilman Andujar, and passed unanimously with an 8‑0 vote. All eight council members voted aye.
- Approved Class BV liquor license for Merlinos Pizzeria (8-0)
Regular City Council Meeting
The council approved the minutes from four recent meetings and passed two resolutions honoring Municipal Clerks Week and the Armenian Genocide remembrance, each with a 9‑aye unanimous vote. It continued a Class BV liquor license for Merlinos Pizzeria, authorized real‑estate tax abatements, approved tax‑interest waivers, and unanimously appointed Frank Corrao as the new Director of Public Works. The body also ratified collective bargaining agreements for Teamsters Local 251 and LIUNA Local 1322, approved an amendment to the city code, and confirmed appointments to the Board of Canvassers and the Building Appeals Board.
- Approved block of minutes from March 24, April 1, 8, 12 (9 ayes)
- Approved resolution recognizing Municipal Clerks Week (9 ayes)
- Approved resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide remembrance (9 ayes)
- Continued Class BV liquor license for Merlinos Pizzeria (9 ayes)
- Authorized real‑estate tax abatements (9 ayes)
- Approved tax‑interest waiver approvals for March 2025 (9 ayes)
- Appointed Frank Corrao as Director of Public Works (9 ayes)
- Ratified Teamsters Local 251 collective bargaining agreement (9 ayes)
Special City Council Meeting
The council accepted Vice President Wall’s amendment spreadsheet (9‑0) and approved the amendment block, adding $357,537 to school funding (9‑0). Additional line‑item changes were approved, including cuts to video streaming and sidewalk programs redirected to schools, and modest increases to Parks & Rec revenue and expenses (each 9‑0). The FY2025‑2026 budget was adopted as amended.
- Accepted Vice President Wall’s amendment spreadsheet into the record (9‑0)
- Approved amendment block with $357,537 increase to school funding (9‑0)
- Amended City Council Video Streaming: decreased $10,000, moved to Schools (9‑0)
- Amended Public Works Sidewalk Program: decreased $5,000, moved to Schools (9‑0)
- Increased Parks & Rec revenue to $435,000 (+$10,000) and expenses to $190,000 (+$10,000) (9‑0)
- Councilman Traficante withdrew his proposed WIA Salary Schedule amendment (no vote)
- Adopted FY2025‑2026 budget as amended (motion passed; vote tally not specified)
Special City Council Meeting
The council voted unanimously (6-0) to refer Ordinance 04-25-01, which amends the 2024-2025 municipal budget for the Director of Public Works salary, to a special Finance Committee meeting on April 17, 2025. The same motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 A.M. passed with all members voting aye.
- Referred Ordinance 04-25-01 (Public Works salary amendment) to special Finance Committee (6-0 unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:23 A.M. (all Ayes)
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council approved a $1,000,000 appropriation for the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path with an 8‑1 vote (Council President Marino abstained). Several resolutions were adopted unanimously, including recognitions of Women’s History Month, Earth Day, and support for the Governor’s Litter‑Free Rhode Island campaign. The council also approved three ordinances related to zoning and traffic improvements, each passing unanimously. All actions were recorded as official votes of the council.
- Approved $1,000,000 appropriation for Meshanticut Lake walking path (8‑1)
- Approved Resolution recognizing March as Women’s History Month (9‑0)
- Approved Resolution in Memory of Rick Gebhart (9‑0)
- Approved Resolution supporting Governor McKee’s Litter‑Free RI campaign (9‑0)
- Approved Resolution recognizing April 22, 2025 as Earth Day (9‑0)
- Approved Resolution supporting RI legislation eliminating taxation of Social Security Income (9‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 02-25-01 amending zoning for 135 Atwood Ave (8‑0)
- Approved Ordinance 02-25-02 amending Comprehensive Plan for 135 Atwood Ave (8‑0)
Special City Council Meeting
The Cranston City Council convened a special workshop on March 3, 2025. Council members heard a presentation by Lynne Radiches of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission introducing the Commission and the state Code of Ethics. No formal actions or votes were recorded; the meeting concluded with discussion and adjournment.
- Presentation by Lynne Radiches (Rhode Island Ethics Commission) on the Ethics Commission and Code of Ethics
- PowerPoint copies offered to the Council and posted on the Commission website
- Council discussion following the presentation