Cranston City Council Regular Meeting – July 28, 2025

The Cranston City Council held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The council approved two collective bargaining agreements with the Cranston Teachers Alliance, heard an annual report from the Cranston Historic Cemeteries Commission, and handled routine business including minutes approval and new business referrals.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Unanimously approved the minutes of the June 23–25, 2025 regular city council meeting and the July 17, 2025 special city council meeting.
• Motor Vehicle Tax Abatements: Unanimously approved a resolution authorizing tax abatements as requested by the tax assessor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• President of the Cranston Teachers Alliance (CTA) (name not stated): Expressed gratitude for the council’s unanimous support of the teacher and paraprofessional contracts. She noted that CTA members made sacrifices in prior agreements (e.g., five years with zero increases, accepting 1% and 1.5% raises in recent years, and reorganizing steps). She emphasized that Cranston’s teacher salaries had fallen near the bottom among 36 school systems and that competitive pay is needed to retain educators. She also highlighted that the CTA and its national/state affiliates have brought millions of dollars in grants to Cranston to cover unfunded state mandates.
• Anthony Malillo, Vice Chairperson of the Cranston School Committee: Thanked the council for unanimous support and recognized school department staff (Superintendent Natamassey, Assistant Superintendent Cole, Zach Farrell, Mike Crudel, Joe Belducci, Michelle Simpson, and Attorney Amanda Cashion) for their work. He stated the contract is fair and fiscally responsible.

Discussion Items

• Ratification of Teachers Union Contract (Ordinance 072501): The council took the agenda out of order to consider this item. Councilman Bonano read a letter from School Committee Chair Dominic Fusco, who could not attend, expressing strong support for both teacher and paraprofessional contracts. Fusco noted that teachers had accepted modest raises in the past and that Cranston is the second-largest school district in Rhode Island yet salaries have not reflected that standing. He urged passage. Councilman Trafficante praised both sides for negotiating a fair and equitable contract. The ordinance was approved unanimously (8-0).
• Ratification of Paraprofessionals Union Contract (Ordinance 072502): This contract covers the CTA Local 1704 AFT Paraprofessionals Unit, effective September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028. It also covers bus aides. Approved unanimously (8-0).
• Withdrawal of Legal Counsel Amendment: Council Vice President Wall withdrew a proposed amendment to the Cranston City Council Legal Counsel’s letter of engagement, as well as the associated executive session item, citing the absence of Councilwoman Heroyan (Vice Chair of Finance Committee) and stating it was inappropriate to proceed without her.
• Cranston Historic Cemeteries Commission Annual Report: Mr. Hill (Commission representative) presented the report. Council members commended the commission’s volunteer work, including cleanup of historical cemeteries. Mr. Hill described efforts such as removing a 40-foot tree from a cemetery on Park Avenue and maintaining over 3,000 followers on Facebook. Councilman Trafficante requested a list of volunteers for recognition.
• Rhode Island Energy Vegetation Management Plan: The council received a notice regarding 2025 vegetation management standards. Councilwoman Graziano asked whether the city typically provides feedback on such plans (e.g., regarding rare species or herbicide use). Chief of Staff Moretti said he would look into the matter.

Key Outcomes

• Approved ordinances (8-0): Ratifying collective bargaining agreements with the Cranston Teachers Alliance for teachers (Ordinance 072501) and paraprofessionals (Ordinance 072502).
• Approved minutes (8-0): June 23-25 regular meeting and July 17 special meeting.
• Approved motor vehicle tax abatement resolution (8-0).
• Withdrawn: Amendment to legal counsel engagement and related executive session, to be reintroduced at a later date.
• Referred new business items (ordinances 072503-072507 and two Narragansett Electric petitions) to respective committees (8-0).
• Meeting adjourned without further business.