This time I'd like to call this meeting to order.

The regular city council meeting, March sixteenth, two thousand and sixteen.

If you would all please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

First item on the agenda would be a resolution in memory of the former council president Carlos Spirito.

This was sponsored by Councilwoman Graziano and Councilman Councilman Benano and myself.

I asked Councilman Benano and Councilwoman Graziano to please step up to the podium.

Good evening, Council members and Council President.

Um it's with great sadness this evening that um we have heard of the passing of Carlos Spiro Jr.

Um we set forth a resolution in his honor.

So I would love to read that resolution um before the chambers.

So it is resolved that it is a with profound sadness that the members of the city council, Cranston City Council have learned of the passing of the former council president Carlos Spirodo Jr., a respectful public servant, educator, and dedicated member of the Cranston community, who passed away, sadly, on February 12th, 2026, at the beautiful age of 94.

And Carlos Spirodo Jr.

was born and raised in a family deeply rooted in the values of community service, faith, and values that he carried throughout his long and meaningful life.

And Mr.

Spiro devoted much of his professional life to education, serving as a mathematics teacher and the department chair of Western Hills Junior High School, where he guided generations of students with patience, integrity, and commitment to learning.

In addition to his career in education, Carlos Spero Jr.

generously gave his time and talents to public service, serving the residents of the city of Cranston as a member of the Cranston City Council for five non-consecutive terms from 1968 to 1983, and rising to the position of council president from 1979 to 1981, always advocating for the best interests of the people of Cranston.

And beyond his public service, Mr.

Spiro was a man of many talents and passions, known as a skilled drummer, craftsman who built and remodeled homes, and a familiar presence in his neighborhood as a barber, giving crew cuts when long hair was in fashion.

And he was also a man of deep faith and community spirit, serving as a charter member of the St.

Mary's Feast Society, and proudly participating in the annual Madonna della Civita procession for many decades.

Thank you.

Carlos Spirodo Jr.

leaves behind a loving family where the center of his life, including his beloved wife of over 70 years, Florence, his sons, Stephen and Michael, his daughter-in-law Nancy, and his granddaughter Anya, for whom he was poppy, and many extended family members, friends, former students, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

And the life of Carlos Spirodo Jr.

was defined by service, humility, and devotion to his community, and his legacy will remain a lasting part of history and spirit of the city of Cranston.

So now, therefore, it will be resolved by the honorable city of Cranston City Council hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Carlos Spirodo Jr.

and honors his many years and dedicated service to the city of Cranston as its residents.

But words are a futile tool in a situation where we've experienced profound loss.

Uh, and he always let you know what his opinion was.

But at the end of the day, uh you knew where you stood, and you knew where you stood um with love behind it.

At this time, I want to bring up um Stephen and Nancy Spirito, my cousins.

Please come forward.

And I want to read the citation from all of us on the Cranston City Council.

Be it hereby known to all that the Cranston City Council hereby extends its sincerest condolences and expressions of sympathy to the family of former council president Carlos Spirito Jr.

on his passing February 12th, 2026.

May he be remembered.

Umia his granddaughter did a wonderful, uh, a wonderful thing at at his uh wake.

Carlo, if you if Carlo, you know, uh had had an issue or uh had a difference of opinion with you, he wouldn't go too crazy, at least in his later years, but he called you a chooch.

And uh at the wake, there were little little uh cards that said, always keep your pencil sharpened with a pencil in it, and don't be a chooch.

So if there's a lesson today, always keep your pencil sharpened and don't be a chooch.

Stephen Nancy, please accept this.

Um from the Cranston City Council in memory of Colo.

Is there a motion to approve this resolution?

So moved.

Second.

The motion second.

Any any further discussion?

I know I speak on behalf of the council, the rest of the council.

My deepest condolences on behalf of the council.

Clerk, would you please call a roll?

Councilwoman Graziano, yes, Councilman Duha.

Yes, Cosmore Ritz, yes, Councilman Capricante, yes.

Yes, President Walt.

Yes, Mr.

Mr.

Chairman Councilman Traffic.

I just want the spirit of family to know that I was called chooch many times by Kahlo.

Falter's wrath many times.

All right.

Next item on the agenda is a resolution commemorating the celebration of Saint Joseph's Day.

This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Anduha, Councilman Benano, Councilwoman Maziri.

If those three council people would please come up to the podium.

Whereas Saint Joseph, holy patriarch and patron saint of workers, known by his deeds, was a man of quiet courage and deep faith who was tested in Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Egypt.

And humble yet noble, patient yet determined, Saint Joseph accepted his burdens and bore them with dignity.

All the while exhibiting an enduring strength as family patriarch, guide and guardian during the most perilous of times.

And Saint Joseph is celebrated by Christians around the world from the tropical heat of the Philippines to the ancient thoroughfares of Rome to the storied walls of San Juan Capistrano as the embodiment of family solidarity.

A dedicated, humble, hardworking father, husband, and on March 19th, the annual celebration of the Feast of St.

Joseph.

More than 2,000 years after his sojourn on earth came to an end.

Italian Americans and all others renew their efforts to emulate the peace of a loving and beloved man, the wealth of faith and the noble overcoming of adversity displayed by Saint Joseph.

And Italians and Italian Americans celebrate the prevention of a Sicilian family in the Middle Ages as a miracle attributed to Saint Joseph.

An Italian immigrants to Rhode Island helped form the culture of foundation of our state and today.

They sing the praises of Saint Joseph as songs of inclusion, of strength tempered by faith, of sacrifice for family, and of the glorious gift of honest labor.

Now therefore humble yet noble, patient yet determined.

Saint Joseph accepted his burdens and bored them with dignity.

And they all, while exhibiting an enduring strength as family patriarch, guide and a guardian during the most perilous of times.

And the honorable Cranston City Council hereby commemorates the celebration of the feast of Saint Joseph and the principles of his life.

And the city clerk is hereby directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Santa Maria de Prada Society.

Well, it's it's no strange.

Um I feel kind of weird because you know I grew up in Federal Hill and I never I have always seen people give these citations, and I finally get to sponsor one.

So I'd like to thank my two co-sponsors, um, Councilwoman Bazeri and Councilman Bonano for allowing me to be first.

So with that, I'd like to pass it over to Councilman Bonano and um Miss Carlino, if you could please start making your way up.

I think uh Amelia covered all the important stuff.

I don't want to make light of St.

Joseph, who is uh you know the stepfather of uh our savior, but uh any holiday that celebrates good pastry is fine with me.

So uh thank you, Councilman Anderha for including me.

And um, happy St.

Joseph's Day, everybody.

Salute.

And uh by way of celebration of Italian heritage, uh the Cranston City Council, let it be known that all by all that the Cranston City Council hereby issues this citation to the Santa Maria de Prada Society.

City Council wishes the society a happy St.

Joseph's Day and extends its thanks to all of you for all the work you do in the community and signed by every member of the council.

I have the honor of presenting it to you, Miss Carlson.

Thank you very much.

Is there a motion to approve the resolution?

Motion second.

All right, any other further discussion?

I see Councilman Ritz.

Uh resolution.

Any other discussion uh yeah, who else would like to be a co-sponsor?

I would as well well, anybody else?

It looks like it's unanimous, Rose.

So we'll all have car co-sponsorship, and please call the role.

Councilman Graziano.

Yes.

Yes.

Councilman Vazeri, yes.

Yes.

Yes, council present wall.

Yes.

Next item on the agenda is a resolution recognizing and celebration celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in the city of Cranston.

That's sponsored by myself and Vice President Heroyan.

I could ask Vice President Heroyan to join me at the podium.

Okay.

That's when some of my ancestors on the Irish side came here.

They came here due to poverty, sickness, and of course, you might remember the famine.

The Irish came here for the American dream.

And like so many other same many other groups, they found it here.

However, the road to America at times was difficult, and their reception, the reception that they received, like many immigrant groups, was not always kind.

But they persevered and they wove their culture, their music, their literature, and of course their celebrations into the fabric of America.

Today, more than 31 million people, approximately 10% of our population can trace some of their ancestry back to Ireland, including myself.

So with that in mind, I'd like to wish everyone on behalf of myself and the council of vice president um a happy Saint Patrick's Day.

And as the poet, and I might add an Irish poet once said, uh, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more.

Short poll.

And the resolution, which I wish I printed it much larger, um, reads as follows resolution of the city council recognizing and celebrating Saint Patrick's Day and the city of Cranston.

Be it resolved that whereas St.

Patrick's Day is an annual cultural and religious celebration observed on March 17th, celebrating the life and legacy of St.

Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

And whereas the Cranston City Council recognizes the significance of St.

Patrick's Day is a day of celebration of Irish heritage, culture, and history, not only in the Irish community, but in all the residents, for all the residents, whereas St.

Patrick's Day serves as an opportunity for the community to come together in fellowship and solidarity, fostering a sense of unity and pride in our diverse cultural heritage, whereas the city of Cranston acknowledges the contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants into the culture, social, and economic fabric of our community, enriching our traditions and shaping our shared identity.

And now, therefore, be it resolved that the City of the Cranston City Council hereby recognizes and celebrates St.

Patrick's Day on March 17th, 2026 as a day of cultural significance and celebration in our community.

Be it further resolved that the Cranston City Council encourages all residents to join in the festivities and embrace the spirit of camaraderie and honor the rich traditions of Irish culture and heritage.

Be it further resolved that the Cranston City Council extends its warmest wishes to the Irish community and all of the residents of Cranston for a joyous and memorable St.

Patrick's Day celebration.

And anything further?

That's all I have.

All right.

Is there a motion to approve?

Second.

Is there any uh discussion?

I see Councilwoman Graziano and then Councilman Trafficanti.

Absolutely.

Anybody else would like their name added to it?

It looks like, if I'm not mistaken, everybody's name is added to it now.

And I see Councilman Graziana, Councilwoman Graziana would like to speak.

Thank you, President Wall.

I would just like to share brief history of my family.

So my grandfather William J.

McGoldric came over here from County Ross Common.

Um, he also served in World War II on behalf of the United States.

So I'm I'm grateful for his service, and I'm grateful that he was strong enough to immigrate here to the United States.

Thank you, Councilwoman Graziano.

Uh Councilman Benano.

Just want to point out that I am full-blooded Italian American, and I am wearing green today in honor of St.

Patrick's Day.

That's all I have to say.

Thank you.

I'm wearing blue today.

Anyway, are there any further comments?

All right.

There being none, I ask the clerk to please call the role.

Councilman Graziano, yes.

Casperitz, Castle Trafficanti, Councilman Vazeri.

Yes.

Council Capiano.

Councilman Banano.

Yes.

Council Vice President Heroyan?

Yes.

Council President Wall.

Yes.

Thank you.

Okay, moving on to a resolution recognizing March as Women's History Month in Cranston.

This has been sponsored by Councilwoman Baziri, Councilwoman Graziano, Council Vice President Peroyan, myself, and Mayor Hopkins.

If I could ask, Councilwoman uh Graziano, Councilwoman Baziri, and Council Vice President, please step step up to the microphone.

Resolved that women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made significant and historic contributions to the growth and strength of our society in countless documented and undocumented ways.

Whereas women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every aspect of the life by representing a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home, and where particularly important in the establishment of early charitable philanthropic and cultural institutions.

Whereas women have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and more recently, the Me Too movement, which have brought injustices to light and sought to create a more fair and just society for all.

Whereas women now represent approximately half of the workforce and own more than 10 million businesses in the U.S., whereas the leadership of women in elected office, including the contributions of our own Cranston City Councilwoman, female state representatives, and senators from Cranston, and female Cranston School Committee members serve as an example of community and civic engagement for girls and women in our city.

Whereas additional education is needed to increase the knowledge of all Cranston citizens relative to the contributions of women and opportunities for girls and women to develop their leadership skills and to eliminate bias and education and the workforce.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the honorable Cranston City Council recognizes the month of March as Women's History Month, honors the contributions that women have made throughout history and commits to supporting efforts to improve opportunities for girls and women through education, athletics, the arts, and the professional development initiatives in the city and across the state of Rhode Island.

I am proud to join my colleagues and Mayor Hopkins in sponsoring this resolution, recognizing March as Women's History Month.

It is incredibly meaningful to serve as a woman on this council and work alongside some very strong leaders across our community.

This includes women serving beside me here tonight, Councilwoman Graziano, Councilwoman Rizari, and the women and municipal employees to help keep the city running.

The honorable women who serve as judges, whether they're in the city, state level, or federal level, the women represent our community at the State House, and many more women who lead in our schools, businesses, nonprofits, and public service.

The leadership strengthens our city every day.

I am proud to support this resolution and to support women in leadership roles, especially the next generation will continue moving our community forward.

Thank you.

Good evening, Council President and good evening, Council members.

Tonight we recognize women's history month, a time to celebrate the countless contributions women have made to our nation, our state, and our city.

Throughout history, women have led movements, strengthened, strengthened families, built businesses, and served in public office and shaped cultural and civic life in our communities.

Women's History Month traces its roots to the first international women's day celebrations in the early 20th century and was later expanded to the United States through national recognition by Jimmy Carter in 1980.

Since then, March has become a time to reflect on progress made and the work that still lies ahead to ensure opportunity, equity, and representation for all women.

Here in our community, we are grateful for the women who serve as leaders, educators, caregivers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and advocates.

Their dedication strengthens our neighborhoods and inspires the next generation.

This month also gives us an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements in sports.

We recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the United States women's national ice hockey team, whose dedication, teamwork, and excellence have brought pride to our country and inspired young athletes everywhere.

Their success reminds us that when women are given the opportunity to compete and lead, they reach the very highest levels of achievement.

As we recognize women's history month, let us recommit ourselves to honoring the achievements of women, past and present, and building a future that every girl and woman has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and make her voice heard.

Okay, thank you, Councilwoman.

Before I take the vote, I'm very appreciative to be a co-sponsor on this uh resolution.

As most of you know, I'm a high school teacher with a number of years going back approximately 30 years in the classroom.

And women's women's history month has not always been celebrated.

So I think it's essential.

Important contributions women have made to the world, our community, and the country.

So I'm behind the resolution.

I think it's very important.

Also, as a father of two daughters, it's maybe extra extra amount of importance.

Um is there a motion?

Yeah, uh, would anybody else like to have their name added?

It looks like we're all going to be all around again.

Is there a motion to approve?

So moved.

Second.

Is there a second?

Is there any further discussion?

I see Councilman Anderhart.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um, there's really no secret.

I am a strong believer in women empowerment, and I'm proud to be on this council with a vice president that's a woman, our majority leader as a woman.

And I believe one day this city will be ran by a woman and this country also will be will elect a woman president.

So I thank these women for coming forward today and bringing this resolution.

Thank you.

If if you don't mind, Councilman Bonano, I'm going to take uh I was going to say Councilwoman Renzulli, but I'm going to sit take director Renzuli.

She's got some remarks from the mayor.

Floor is yours, Director.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

On behalf of Mayor Hopkins, I'm how I'm proud to speak in support of this resolution recognizing March as Women's History Month in the city of Cranston.

As the resolution recognizes women of every background, have helped shape the growth and strength of our society economically, culturally, and socially, often in ways both visible and behind the scenes.

But what I appreciate most about women's history month is that it reminds us history is not just something that we look back on.

It's something we're still writing, especially right here in Cranston.

We see in our schools through the women who shape the next generation, our teachers, coaches, principals, and the superintendent.

We see it in nonprofit leadership in our courts, on our school committee, in our state delegation, and in the women who serve our residents every day as part of our municipal workforce.

Thank you, Rose.

We see it in the business women strengthening our local economy, and we see it in the women who anchor our families, our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters, whose influence often shapes our lives long before a title ever does.

We see it here in city government as well, through the women right here serving on the city council, both past and present, and through those who stepped forward to serve on our boards and commissions.

In fact, tonight we're appointing another woman to one of those boards.

And with several vacancies still open, I sincerely hope we continue to see more women step forward and be appointed to fill those seats because leadership doesn't always begin with a title.

Sometimes it begins with someone raising their hand and saying, I'm ready to serve.

We're also seeing history written by the young women growing up in Cranston today at Cranston West, Gianna Espinall Albizu, became the school's first girl state wrestling champion recently, breaking barriers in a sport where until recently girls weren't even giving the opportunity to compete against each other at that level.

And Kyla Buco, who recently reached the milestone of scoring 1,000 career points in girls' basketball, an achievement that reflects years of discipline, resilience, and leadership.

And both the city council as well as the mayor will be giving citations to those young ladies.

On a personal note, this resolution is especially meaningful to me because I originally wrote it during my first term serving on this city council with the most women ever to serve on a city council in Cranston.

I am so honored to be here tonight, speaking in support of the mayor with the council president as well as these wonderful councilwomen, um, recognizing women and girls in Cranston who are leading today and shaping the future.

And if what we're seeing across the city is any indication, the next chapters of that history are going to be written by some very remarkable women.

Thank you.

Thank you, Director Anzuli.

Uh Councilman Benano.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um the father of two daughters.

Uh, I talk a lot about what happens on city council.

Um, and I think this is good news.

Um, my daughter, my older daughter just turned 10, and my uh younger one will be six on um uh Wednesday, the 18th.

And um they don't realize that at one point women couldn't vote.

They don't realize that at this point in history, uh a woman can be elected to office and at previous times that that wasn't a possibility.

They don't even realize that there was such a divide that needed to be overcome.

And that doesn't mean the work is done, but that means we're headed in the right direction.

It's because of resolutions like this and words like all four of those lovely ladies just said, you know, um, we still have work to do, but we're headed in the right direction.

And uh, I just hope that um in their lifetime.

Um, Councilman Andah said will come true.

We'll have a woman mayor, a woman president, and woman chief justice or whatever else, you know, that they uh and if and I also want to mention if you if you take a look at what my wife does on a daily basis, and you take a look at what I do on a daily basis.

Women are pretty tough and probably tougher than men.

So um, salute.

Thank you, Councilman Benano.

Councilman Traffic Cancer.

Uh members of the council, let's not forget uh women have done many things throughout history, but let's not forget they also serve in the military and do one heck of a job for the United States of America.

So we should honor them as well.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Traffic Canti.

If there are no further comments, thank you for all those eloquent work eloquent words.

And I would ask the clerk.

Did I take a motion in a second already?

All right, I just clerk to please take a role.

Councilman McGraziano, yes.

Councilman Induhar?

Yes.

Council Traffic Cante?

Yes.

Councilwoman Vazieri.

Yes.

Councilman Piano, Councilman Banano.

Yes.

Council Vice President Heroyan.

Yes.

Council President Wall.

Yes.

Okay.

Next, we're going to move on to the appointments.

I'm going to ask you to turn to page four under Roman numeral 10, where it says election appointment of city officials.

This time.

Is that is that correct?

It says their life term as requested by the majority leader.

Uh Graziano.

Let me just check.

It's on the website as a life term.

I'm sorry, I didn't catch that when I saw this agenda posted, but I think there should be a term of office, correct?

What's the general term?

This is this is the exemption board or board of assessment.

The tax from one understand this is tax exemption board of review.

Okay.

Not the tax assessment.

Right.

So it's it okay.

They review, like believe tax exemptions.

They review tax exemption.

I believe that's and there's not a term for that office.

No.

But what I understand when it was created, it was created for the life term of the board.

Do you serve on the board until the board is as long as the board exists?

Right.

And now we're appointing a woman to it.

I mean, that's like that's good.

I guess I hope she has a long life, apparently, because she's gonna be on the board forever.

We can pass it if we have to make it adjustment.

We can make it just no way.

Okay.

Um is there a motion to approve that appointment?

So moved.

Second.

I don't believe there's a vote on this, Mr.

President.

Oh, there is no vote.

That's right, because it was a majority leader.

All right, well, then I will congratulate Ms.

Cook and be appointed uh for uh tax exemption board of review for forever, I guess.

Um does somebody have something to speak on?

Yeah, I'm pointing at Councilwoman Graziano.

Um, thank you, Council President.

Um, I just want to say congratulations to Crystal Cook.

I'm appreciative that she is looking to serve on the tax exemption board.

Um, it was a recommendation through Councilman Anduhar.

And after reading her resume, I think this will be a perfect um appointment.

And I'm grateful that she was able to come forward and was interested in serving um the city of Cranston.

Um, and then through the president of Council Anduhar would like to speak.

Councilman Anduhar.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Um Majority Leader Graziano.

I've known Miss Cook for about over 25 years.

She was a graduate of classical, went to Fordham University, and instead of pursuing her careers elsewhere, she decided to come back to Rhode Island.

And since then she's been a successful entrepreneur as a real estate business developer, and now she has time to give back to her community.

So I applaud her.

I welcome her, and I thank her for her service to Cranston.

Thank you, Miss Cook.

Is there a citation?

Councilman.

Ums cook here sitting tight, right?

Step right up.

Thank you for service and congratulations.

All right.

So we're gonna go all the way back to page number two, and we're gonna go to the approval of minutes.

At this time, I'm gonna entertain a motion to approve of the minutes from the February 17th, 2026 regular council meeting.

Is there a motion?

So moved.

Second, second, there's a second.

Any discussion or changes?

I see none.

Clerk, please call the roll.

Yes, Conspaniento Har?

Yes.

Conspa Ritz?

Yes.

Consulwoman Vaziri.

Yes.

Conservative Piano?

Yes.

Consano?

Yes.

Consulvice President Heroyan?

Yes.

Consider President Wall.

Yes.

Thank you.

Uh moving right along to the approval of the minutes from the March 2nd, 2026 special council meeting.

Is there a motion to approve?

So moved, second.

Is there any discussion?

There being none, Clerk, please call the roll.

Yes.

Cosmo Ritz.

Council Trafficanti.

Yes.

Consulwoman Vaziri.

Yes.

Conspiano?

Yes.

Consul Banano?

Yes.

Consult of Vice President Heroyan?

Yes.

Well.

Yes.

Moving on to the approval of the minutes from the March 4th, 2026 special city council meeting.

So moved.

Second.

Any discussion.

I see Councilman Benano's hand.

I just wanna I didn't read these minutes in in uh detail, but I watched the meeting.

And uh, because I wasn't there.

Um, I just want to correct something very minor.

Um my girls danced at the PC halftime show, and I think somebody might have said that they sang the sung the national anthem.

No, nobody wants to hear them sing the national anthem.

So in case anybody watches that video, I don't want them to think I was lying or I was not there.

They they danced at halftime.

I made that error, but that's the way it reads.

I just want to keep it.

You know, I just want to correct it.

Nobody can say anything bad about us now.

Thank you, Councilman Banano for being accurate.

Um, any further discussion?

There being none, Clerk, please call a roll.

Yes, Andrew Har, yes, Consmer Ritz, Consult Traficanti, Councilwoman Vaziri, yes, Campiano, yes, Cons Banano, yes, Consul Vice President Heroyan, yes, Consent Wall.

Yes, thank you.

Okay, we're gonna move on to public hearing and public comment.

If there's anyone here in the chambers this evening who would like to make public comment on docketed matters only, please step up to the podium, state your name and address for the record, and you'll have four minutes to speak.

I see none, so we're gonna move on.

Mr.

Lima, is there anyone online who would like to make public comment on docketed matters only?

There is no public comment online.

Okay, so at this time I'm gonna close public comment, and we are going to move on to page number three, down to if I'm not mistaken, committee reports.

Um, first is a report of the chair, uh chair, chair, councilwoman baziri of the claims committee.

Councilwoman, the floor is yours.

Thank you.

I have nothing further to report from the March 2nd, 2026 claims committee meeting as we did not meet.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman Baziri.

Uh next would be a report from the chair of the licenses and safety service committee, councilwoman, uh, council vice president heroyan.

The floor is yours.

Safety services and license committee did meet on March 2nd.

There was a license for class B V liquor license, a new one.

Um G and MK Co op located at 146 Gantt Avenue.

I was Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m.

to 10 p.m.

It did pass out of council, but seeing as how it was we are over the cap.

We just needed it to be voted on tonight.

Is there a motion to approve?

So moved.

Second.

Is there any discussion?

I see no hands, so I'll ask the clerk to please call roll.

Consul McGraziano?

Yes.

Casminduhar, yes, council traffic cante.

Yes, councilwoman Vaziri, yes, Conspiano, Consul Banano, yes, Consul Vice President Heroyan, yes, Consul President Wall.

Yes.

Okay, moving on.

Um to the chair of the finance committee, council one uh councilman anduhar.

You do have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

The finance committee did meet on March 2nd.

Um, we have a few things we have to vote on.

So the first one would be a resolution authorizing real estate tax abatements.

I urge passage.

Is there a motion to approve?

Motion to approve, second.

Is there any discussion?

I see none.

Clerk, could you please call a roll?

Consul McGraziano?

Yes, Casmananduhar, yes, Cosmo Ritz, yes, Consper Traficante, yes, Consulma Vaziri, yes, Casper Camp Piano, Cons Banano, yes, Consul Vice President Heroyan, yes, Consul President Wall, yes.

Next up we have uh consideration of tax interest waiver approvals.

I urge passage.

Is there a motion to approve?

So moved, second, any discussion?

There being none, clerk please call a roll.

Consulma Graziano, yes, Conspananduhar, yes, Conspa Ritz, yes, council traficante, yes, councilwoman Vaziri, yes, Conspiano, yes, Conservator, yes, Consul Vice President Heroyan, yes, Consul President Wall.

Yes.

Moving on to the chair of the public works committee, councilwoman Graziano.

Councilwoman, you have the floor.

Thank you, President.

Um the public works committee met on March 4th, 2026.

Um, at that time we had no actions or votes.

We just spoke in length about the snowstorm.

That's it.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

All right, moving on to page four.

Um, report of the chair of the ordinance committee, councilman and you do have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

The ordinance committee did meet on March 4th.

We had two ordinances come through.

Uh ordinance 2-2601, sponsored by councilman trafficante.

I urge passage.

Is there a motion to approve?

Motion to approve.

Second.

Any discussion?

I'm seeing none.

Clerk, please call a roll.

Councilwoman Graziano.

Yes.

Councilman.

Yes.

Council Ritz.

Council Trafficanti.

Yes.

Councilwoman Vaziri.

Yes.

Council Camp Piano.

Council Banano.

Yes.

Council Vice President Heroyan.

Yes.

Council President Wolf.

Yes.

Next up we have ordinance two-2602.

Um sponsored by our majority leader, Councilwoman Graziano.

Right turns prohibited.

I urge passage.

Motion to approve.

Is there a second?

Second.

Second.

Any discussion.

Okay.

There being none, Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilwal Graziano.

Yes.

Councilman Andrew Hans.

Yes.

Council Ritz.

Yes.

Council Trafficanti.

Yes.

Councilwoman Vaziri.

Yes.

Council Camp Piano.

Council Banano.

Yes.

Council Vice President Heroyan?

Yes.

Council President Wolf.

Yes.

Thank you, Councilman.

Moving on to public comment for undocumented matters.

If there's anyone in the chambers this evening who would like to speak on undocuted matters, please step up to the podium.

State your name and address for the record, and you'll have four minutes to speak.

Kimberly Bagosian 45 Mount View Drive, Cranston.

Um, I recently attended the Cranston Municipal Court for two days in a row.

Um, I saw people that were there um trying to get their orders cleared out.

And uh they signed in with the clerk and uh signed out with the clerk.

And I just think that um I'm gonna do a roper murray move and say um think about uh shut you know shutting down the court if you can.

Uh that would be great because I I think it would make the residents more more happy.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Is anyone else in chambers who'd like to speak on undocumed matters?

I see none.

Uh Mr.

Lima, is there anyone online who'd like to speak on undocuted matters?

There is no public comment online.

So I'm gonna close public comment for undocuted items.

Taking care of that.

There are no reports of city of uh city officers.

Executive communications in your packet, the legal expense report uh has been provided, I believe.

Is there any member of the council who have any questions?

I see Solicitor Millet.

He's available.

I see Councilwoman Graziano's hand up.

The floor is yours.

Thank you, President.

Um, I apologize.

It I I believe it was um two council meetings before this.

We discussed um get like doing a review on some of these legal expenses because um I had some questions about like what was still happening on some not necessarily in depth on these cases, but like while that why are they still ongoing, how much money we're spending, how that's being monitored.

So I I recall and I can look back at the meeting minutes and I apologize to the council for not having that on hand.

Um, we've been extremely busy with budget stuff, but um I I you know I would like to revisit that.

I don't I don't know where that ended up landing.

I'm just gonna ask the solicitor a question.

That type of question would be a question that would be answered in the public session, or would I need to schedule an executive session for the next council meeting?

No, we would need to answer any of those type of questions in the executive session.

So I'm gonna ask the clerk to put an executive session on for executive communications for the next city council meeting.

And um, if we have those types of items, just you know, something like that.

You see, just let me know prior to and I'll put it on.

All right.

Uh councilwoman uh council vice president Heroyan.

Would the invoices be available for us to look at?

Of course.

If you just if anyone has any questions, you can come by the office at any point in time.

If I'm if I'm not there on Tuesdays and Thursdays, my administrative assistant Anna Marino is there, and she'd be happy to provide any member of the council the legal book to feel free to go through.

It's in my it's in my office.

It's updated on a weekly basis.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Any other questions for solicitor mole?

Oh, oh, I see.

I'm sorry.

So while I appreciate that, I'm one of the unfortunate people that works Monday through Friday, nine to four.

So if you're there on Saturday, I can swing by.

And please feel free to reach out to me.

I have no no qualms in doing that.

Is that book?

Is it possible when we meet month monthly?

If she calls you up, can you bring it in or is it arduous to bring it in?

Yes.

I mean, I'll I'll I'm happy to.

There's no information in there that uh that you're not privy or should not be made privy to, however, it's not to be made.

None of that's public information.

So however we want to handle it, I'm happy to make myself available, councilwoman.

Thank you.

Thank you, councilwoman.

Any other questions for Solicitor Millet regarding legal expense report?

I see none.

So thank you, Solicitor Millet.

You're welcome.

Moving right along to council president communications, that would be me.

And it's it's just gonna be uh very short.

Um last week, uh myself, uh councilwoman uh Vizeri.

I know unfortunately, Councilwoman Heroyan could not speak because um she was working that day.

Um and communication director Renzulli all spoke, and I know a number of the council people did send letters and test testimony regarding the charter school moratorium bill that's going before the house, and we hope it also goes before before the Senate.

Um it was a long day, those who were there in a very tiny hot room.

Um, and it seemed like everybody except for us was given an extensive amount of time to speak.

Um, but I believe we did have an opportunity to make our points that we we can no longer you know afford this as a municipality, and many municipalities are seeing the same thing.

Charter schools eating up our state and uh you know our funding from the city.

Um and I'll just I won't give my whole testimony as they didn't allow me to give my whole testimony that evening either.

Um but over the last 20 years or so, the charter school movement has really grown exponentially, almost unfettered.

Um even councilman Traffic Andy, who has been involved in the charter school for more than 25 years, when they lifted the moratorium, every year it makes it more and more difficult.

Um it makes it difficult on the charter schools that are doing something new and innovative, and it makes it difficult for the traditional public schools, which the charter schools are basically replicating.

And that replication, a perfect world, as I used to I like to say, where we have an unlimited amount of funding.

I wouldn't mind at all.

But obviously, as you look at your budget, and we all will be, and the school department looks at their budget, we can no longer afford this unfettered expansion of charter schools.

And I think the people on the uh education committee saw that as I saw their jaw drop when we use numbers.

Um so not that bill was on is also a committee to study new charter school, you know, and a new way to fund charter schools and things like that.

So it seems like the people at the state level are starting to get the idea that this is costing us too much.

Um so I just wanted to share that with the members of the council in public.

I don't know if councilwoman Vazeri has anything to add at this time.

Okay.

Um director, would you have anything to add to that?

Okay.

So I pretty much covered that, so I'll move along.

Council uh council member communications, we'll go to Councilman Bonano update on DOT projects.

Councilman Banano, yes, thank you.

Thank you.

Um so at the last meeting, uh Director Moretti uh was here.

We uh said that we would schedule a meeting with DOT.

But I don't know if you realize, but we had a lot of snow between then and now.

So DOT was uh preoccupied with as was the administration was preoccupied with the blizzard.

So um we're gonna can I hold this for next month because in the next month I don't anticipate 48 inches of snow falling and DOT having to call other states and mitigate that.

So we'll have more information.

I know that um since this has been put on the agenda, I think I believe and I hope, and I think it was councilwoman Heroyan sort of arranged for us to get DOT updates so we can share them with our constituency.

Might have been director Renzuli as well.

Um, I don't know who did it, but I'm starting to get DOT emails now, which is helpful to the community.

Um, just as an example, uh people were asking me why was it so noisy uh in parts of Ward Six.

Um I'm sure the council president probably got the same uh inquiries.

Um and I was able to answer that you know they're doing work on 37 right over New London Avenue as opposed to I don't know what's going on.

So it's been helpful already.

Hopefully we get more information on a comprehensive list of what's going on in Cranston.

Um, and that's the goal for next month.

I know Director Anzuli through the chair would would like to offer an update as well.

I just want to make sure, and just so I'm clear before I take Director Insuli.

Um Rose, you're gonna put this on for for next month as well.

All right, that per your request, and Director Renzula, you do have the floor.

I thank you.

So, yes, we're I'm happy to arrange that meeting.

Um DOT will come in and they're happy to give like a PowerPoint presentation.

It has to just be, you know, at the mayor's office during the day, which I know is not convenient for everybody.

Um, but all of you probably couldn't attend at once anyway because of open open meeting rules.

So if you guys just figure out who wants to go and we can make arrangements, we could do that and probably share that PowerPoint electronically, I'm assuming.

Um, but other than that, I do have um something that that I just found that I can email you all.

It's a newly developed state transportation improvement program or STIP, where you can click on a link for a dashboard or 26 to 2035 draft plan, and there's abundant an abundance of information on there.

The dashboard has is GIS based, which some of you will appreciate more than others, and you can zoom in on areas of interest, and there's a lot of information.

It walks you through the decision making process and how roads and projects are ranked in a list of priorities.

So I'll send that along to you guys, assuming that you want it, and then I'll additionally send you anything that I receive from DOT.

I'm getting I'm on all of their lists now.

So I will hopefully be able to maybe get someone to build a portion of our website where we can just kind of funnel in some of that stuff as well.

Um, but that's kind of a work in progress.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you so much, Director.

I think that'll be very helpful.

Um, Councilman Bonano, you're all set on that item.

Any other comments regarding Councilman Bonano's item, DOT projects.

I'm seeing none.

We're gonna move on to the introduction of new business.

If there are no objections, I'd like to refer all the new business to their respective committees.

Take a motion to refer all new business to the motion to there are no objections.

All right, so the whole group.

Okay, so there are no objections.

Is there a motion to approve?

Yes, so moved.

Second, there should be no discussion already.

So clerk, please call a roll.

Yes, yes, Pastor Bits, Cast Trafficanti, Councilman Vaziri, yes, Piano.

Yes, Council Vice President Horroyan.

Council President Wall.

Yes, and if I'm not mistaken, that should cover just about everything.

So there's no further business before the council tonight.

So at this time, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

So move.

Second.

All in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye, opposed, signify by saying nay.

The ayes have it.

That motion carries this meeting, is adjourned.

Good night.