Cranston City Council and Licensing Committee Meeting – May 4, 2026

The Cranston City Council and Licensing Committee held a combined meeting on May 4, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM and adjourning at 8:04 PM. The meeting included an executive session, licensing reviews, ARPA grant updates, a resolution on tax exemptions, the appointment of a new fire chief, and a detailed review of the city's monthly financial report, which revealed a projected $10.4 million deficit.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the April 6, 2026 regular meeting and the executive session minutes from that date.
• Approved minutes of the April 6, 2026 regular meeting, April 16, 2026 special meeting, and April 18, 2026 special meeting as a block.
• Sealed executive session minutes (April 6, 2026).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during either the committee or full council public comment periods. No members of the public appeared in person or online to speak on docketed items.

Discussion Items

Licensing Committee Items

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (275 Atwood Avenue): The leasing of a motor vehicle license was reviewed; a fine had been paid, and the item was removed from the agenda without a vote.
• Class V Liquor License / Victualing License (195 Niantic Avenue): The safety plan had been submitted; the police department had no concerns. The item was removed from the agenda without objection.
• Ugly Dumpling (2000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 200): The liquor license application was continued to the next meeting because outstanding paperwork was incomplete. A roll call vote passed unanimously.
• Lars Homies, LLC (doing business as L'Eskima, 411 Laurel Hill Avenue): The expansion of license review was recessed until July 2026 to allow summertime observation, as past issues occurred in summer. Motion carried unanimously.
• Diner on Elmwood (1617 Elmwood Avenue): Applicant Christopher Trembley sought a new victualing license. The application was continued because a Department of Health inspection was missing. The council arranged for a special meeting before the May 18 full council meeting if the inspection could be completed. The applicant was advised to contact Councilwoman Graziano for assistance.
• Mobile Food Establishment: Informational only.
• Amusement Machine License (Patuka Athletic Club, 12 Aborne Street): Approved unanimously.
• Snack Pack Vending (2190 Broad Street): Approved unanimously.
• License Renewals (Items B, C, D, E): Approved as a block by a roll call vote.
• Food Establishment Renewals (Informational): No vote needed.
• Monthly Schedules (PAC Theater, Cranston Stadium): Approved to enter into schedule.

ARPA Grant Update

• Councilman Capombiano requested an update on ARPA funds, specifically the $200,000 small business grant program for Knightsville and Tyrell Cranston construction impacts. Finance Director DeMayo reported that approximately $10,000 of the $200,000 remained. Economic Development Director was visiting businesses to help them apply. Some council members expressed concern about the pace of distribution. Additional queries were raised about overall ARPA fund usage; Finance Director Renzuli noted that a detailed report would take time due to the need to consolidate historical data. Councilman Capombiano suggested that newly affected businesses from ongoing sidewalk work should be targeted. The council agreed to wait until June for a comprehensive ARPA expenditure report.

Resolution on Tax Exemptions

• A resolution supporting state legislation to align Cranston’s tax exemptions with enabling laws was presented. Councilman Anduhar noted the bill includes an optional adjustment every three years tied to the consumer price index. The resolution was described as housekeeping. It passed unanimously.

Real Estate Tax Abatements

• Approved unanimously.

Appointment of Fire Chief

• The council voted unanimously to advise and consent to the mayor’s appointment of Richard Mancini as Fire Chief. Several council members expressed support.

Monthly Financial Report (Period Ended March 2026)

• Council President Wall led a detailed review of the report. Key figures:
  • Projected deficit of $10.4 million: revenues down $1.2 million and expenditures up $9.2 million.
  • Investment income fell $1.6 million short of budget.
  • Debt service exceeded budget by 132%.
  • Snow removal costs: $1.5 million spent against a $750,000 budget.
• Director Strom outlined measures to control spending: all purchase orders must be approved by him, only essential/emergency items will be processed in April, May, and June. He noted that some revenue (e.g., state payments, tax sale) had not yet been recorded and that the year-end deficit may not reach $10.4 million.
• Concerns were raised about the timeliness of financial reports; Director Strom offered to provide weekly revenue/expenditure reports to the council going forward. Council members expressed appreciation and indicated the weekly reports would aid oversight.
• Questions were asked about fourth-quarter transfers, severance charges, bonus payments for retiring employees (expected to appear in May reports), and the deficit in the highway department. Director Strom clarified that severance is charged to the finance department for all non-police/fire departments.

Key Outcomes

• Executive Session Minutes: Sealed.
• Licensing Actions: Multiple licenses approved or continued; two items removed from agenda; Diner on Elmwood continued pending health inspection.
• ARPA Small Business Grant: Update provided; $10,000 remaining; council asked for a complete list of applicants and disbursements by the May council meeting.
• ARPA Comprehensive Report: Council requested a detailed report on all ARPA fund expenditures; timeline extended to June at the request of the finance director.
• Resolution on Tax Exemptions: Passed unanimously.
• Fire Chief Appointment: Richard Mancini approved unanimously.
• Monthly Financial Report: Deficit acknowledged; spending controls implemented; weekly financial reports to be shared with council starting immediately.
• Meeting Adjourned: 8:04 PM.