Cranston City Council Committees Meeting – December 1, 2025

The Cranston City Council held a series of committee meetings on Monday, December 1, 2025, including the Claims Committee, Safety Services & License Committee, and Finance Committee. Major actions included decisions on entertainment hours for the St. Mary's Feast, numerous liquor license transfers and renewals, show cause hearings for unlicensed auto repair businesses, and approval of tax abatements. The meeting lasted approximately from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Claims Committee

• A member of the public filed a claim for $600+ for damage to a tire and rim caused when he pulled into the breakdown lane to avoid a fire truck that took a wide turn on New London Avenue. The committee acknowledged the claim and will follow up.

Executive Session

• A motion was made and approved to enter executive session and later return to open session. The sealed minutes were approved.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from November 3, 2025, were approved by voice vote in the Safety Services and License Committee.
• Class A liquor license renewals (items 1, 2, 3) were approved as a block.
• Several blocks of license renewals and new licenses were approved, including indoor/outdoor entertainment licenses, billiard licenses, massage therapy, private detective, and other business licenses.
• The finance committee approved real estate tax abatements, motor vehicle tax abatements, and tax interest waiver approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Claims Committee: A resident described damage to his vehicle caused by a fire truck's wide turn on New London Avenue. He requested compensation for a new tire and reconditioned rim (approximately $600).
• Safety Services & License Committee:
  • Michael Zabo (area director for Applebee's) and Derek Harnett appeared to support the transfer of the liquor license from the old location to a new location at Fort Chapel View Boulevard. They stated the restaurant is still under construction.
  • Representatives from Nemo's/Amadeo's, Morasco's Bar & Grill, and Blue Moon Club spoke in favor of outdoor entertainment hours during St. Mary's Feast, requesting later hours than recommended by police.
  • An attorney for Tavern on the Square requested approval subject to receipt of a tax clearance letter.
  • Several auto repair business owners appeared for show cause hearings: R&R Auto Repair (representative) and Andy's East Coast Speed (owner Dennis Anderson) explained lapses in licensing.

Discussion Items

• St. Mary's Feast Entertainment & Liquor Licenses: The committee debated outdoor entertainment hours for four establishments (Nemo's/Amadeo's, Balazio's, Morasco's, Blue Moon Club). Police Major Padalano recommended 11 p.m. outdoor entertainment and 11:30 p.m. outdoor alcohol service during feast days, citing public safety and noise complaints. Council members discussed balancing business interests with neighborhood concerns. After extensive discussion, the committee voted to restrict outdoor entertainment to 11 p.m. and outdoor alcohol service to 11:30 p.m. for the feast, with indoor hours unaffected. Councilman Bodano noted a historical trend of later hours leading to increased problems.
• Zona Lounge Entertainment License: The committee agreed to restrict outdoor entertainment to 11 p.m., consistent with citywide approach, with a review after 90 days. Director Moretti noted that the restaurant had been blamed for noise from nearby car meetups.
• Applebee's Liquor License Transfer: Approved subject to receipt of letter of good standing, BCI certificate, liability insurance, and certificate of occupancy (pending construction completion).
• Transfer of Spot Restaurant license to Casita Rica: Approved subject to receipt of letter of good standing from RI Department of Taxation.
• Class B V liquor license transfers and renewals: Many approved subject to various conditions (e.g., tax clearance, fire inspection).
• Show Cause Hearings – Auto Repair Licenses: The committee addressed eight show cause items for businesses operating without valid licenses. After debate about enforcement and fairness, the committee voted to default those who failed to appear, except for two businesses that appeared and were continued. For R&R Auto Repair and Andy's East Coast Speed, the committee continued the show cause, allowing time to complete fire inspection or renewal, with a promise to call a special meeting if conditions were met.
• Finance Committee: The auditor reported that the city’s annual comprehensive financial report is on track for December 31, 2025 deadline.

Key Outcomes

• Claims Committee: Claim for $600+ vehicle damage referred to city clerk’s office for processing.
• St. Mary's Feast Restrictions: All four establishments (Nemo's/Amadeo's, Balazio's, Morasco's, Blue Moon Club) had their outdoor entertainment licenses restricted to 11 p.m. and outdoor alcohol service to 11:30 p.m. during feast days. Indoor hours remain unchanged. Votes were 6-0 on each.
• Zona Lounge: Outdoor entertainment restricted to 11 p.m. with a review scheduled after 90 days. Vote 6-0.
• Applebee's Liquor License Transfer: Approved subject to four outstanding items. Vote 6-0.
• Spot Restaurant Transfer to Casita Rica: Approved subject to tax clearance letter. Vote 6-0.
• Show Cause Defaults: Businesses that failed to appear were defaulted for operating without a license; they will be notified and subject to municipal court citations. Items defaulted: Holiday sales license (B-1,2,3,5; C-1,2,3; D-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9); Victualing license (A-1,2,4,5,6,7,8,9); Leasing enterprise license; Selling of ticket licenses. Votes were 6-0 on each default.
• Show Cause Continuances: R&R Auto Repair and Andy's East Coast Speed were continued pending fire inspection/renewal; court dates will be postponed.
• Class D Liquor License Renewal: Edward Yacht Club approved. St. Mary's Feast Society approved subject to tax clearance letter.
• Apple New England (Applebee's) – New Victualing License: Approved subject to RI Department of Health and certificate of occupancy.
• Casita Rita Restaurant: Approved subject to certificate of occupancy.
• Mobile Food Establishments: Monthly schedules accepted.
• Finance Committee: Tax abatements approved; audit status confirmed on schedule.
• Next meeting: The committee indicated willingness to hold special meetings to finalize licenses once conditions are met.