Politics & Government

BLOG: New Trash Pick-Ups, Finance Director Discussed at City Council

During Tuesday night's city council meeting, members discussed the status of TLA/Pond View's court proceedings, proposed one-way streets, middle school sports and the city's new finance director.

7:32 p.m. - Mayor Bruce Rogers dedicated the meeting to the a member of the city's beautification committee who recently passed away. 

7:35 p.m. - James Briden said residents have taken photos at TLA/Pond View within the past week. Conditions full of trash, and hazardous materials have persisted since May, he said, adding court mandated enforcement action is needed. He said the city's memorandum is critical to this issue. He hopes the city receives input from attorneys who have recognized expertise in the area of zoning.

7:45 p.m. - Corliss Blanchard provided photos of TLA/Pond View to city council members depicting piles of trash riddled with asbestos. She said the council should not fight the zoning board's decision. 

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7:49 p.m. - Another resident said the mayor has failed the public by not advocating that trash at the site should be removed. 

7:53 p.m. - June Coan said the budget commission received erroneous information regarding the cost of middle school sports. Furthermore, other communities' ability to privately fund middle school sports is not a reason to cut East Providence progams, she said.

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7:57 p.m. - The middle school girls softball team is recognized for their recent championship. The audience gave a standing ovation.

8:00 p.m. - Council members approved a request to hold a block party on the corner of Wingate and Leroy drives to be held on Saturday, Sept. 8. 

8:02 p.m. - Council members appointed residents to traffic control. 

8:05 p.m. - Members approved a motion to make Joe Gibson the new East Providence tree warden. 

8:06 p.m. - Shawn Heston, of Persey's Place located at 140 Newport Ave., was awarded a victualling license to serve food.

Susan Sampson, of Yester-Days News, located on 5 Forbes Street, was awarded a secondhand license.

Councilors approved a liquor license transfer from Vine Yard East to PRPS, Inc.

8:21 p.m. - Councilors approved a request to transfer a victualling license from Vic's Sub Shop to Ricotti's Sandwich Shop.

Requests to transfer further licenses from Vine Yard East to PRPS, Inc. was approved. 

8:28 p.m. - Councilors debate a resolution that would make part of Oakley Street from South Sharon Street to Broadway a one-way. Police Chief Joseph Tavares said he supports the resolution, noting rescue vehicles can use the road.

8:42 p.m. - Leo Furtado said businesses will be impacted by the change in Oakley Street traffic patterns. The mayor said the change would only help the economic situation for businesses.

9:00 p.m. - Furtado says a detailed study negates the police chief's argument that a one-way will be safe for rescue vehicles. At about 9:30 p.m., councilors voted to defer the decision in a 3-2 vote.

Additional meeting notes:

  • In addition to other council business, the city manager announced that East Providence has a new finance director that will oversee the municipal and school department. Malcolm Moore, finance director and interim town manager of West Warwick, will start in the upcoming weeks. He has about 12 years of experience in the field.
  • East Providence is also expected to switch to bi-weekly pick up using the services of a new vendor. If the bid is awarded, residents will be supplied with lidded trash bins. According to the city manager, the change is expected to save the city $1.6 million over five years. 
  • School committee member Chrissy Rossi said new interim superintendent doesn't yet have full grasp on school department business but will soon enough as school staff is helping him adjust to the recent transition after Edward Daft for a Barrington job.


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