Cranston City Committee Meeting - May 6, 2026

The meeting, held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at approximately 6:01 PM, was called to order. It included a Public Works Committee portion and a later portion addressing ordinances. The meeting adjourned around 6:53 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the April 6, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting were approved unanimously.
• Later, the minutes from the February 4, 2026 and March 4, 2026 meetings were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were offered during the designated periods.

Discussion Items

• Budlong Pool Complex Update: Director Renzuli provided a timeline: final grading by end of week (May 8, 2026), concrete placement (week of May 18), tile (week of May 18), plaster (week of May 26), with completion anticipated by last week of June and opening first week of July. The project is on budget with a remaining balance of $626,000. Funding sources include $4 million ARPRA, $750,000 HUD, additional ARPA $341,000, and bond funds for FY25 ($167,000) and FY26 ($78,000). The splash pad features touch-activated toys.
• Verizon Fiber Project: Representative Ross Billadu requested permission to install underground conduit along Camden Lane and Kendall Court (approximately 4,035 feet and 19 handholes) to bring fiber to underserved areas. The petition will go before the city council on May 18, then to the committee on June 3. No pavement disruption is expected; work will be in the right-of-way.
• Rhode Island Energy Garden City Project: Representatives presented plans for a 2.5-year infrastructure replacement project (low-pressure cast iron to high-pressure plastic) in the Garden City area. Construction started in April 2026, with work hours 7 AM to 5 PM weekdays. The project includes multiple visits to homes for meter replacement and service upgrades. Trench width is 18-24 inches; restoration includes curb-to-curve paving. A councilman raised a concern about a meter technician entering a home without proper consent, and the company agreed to provide follow-up contact information.
• Ordinance 4-2601 (Stop Sign at Alpine Estates Drive and Caraway Drive): Councilman Ritz proposed adding stop signs on Caraway Drive at the intersection with Alpine Estates Drive, citing resident safety concerns. The traffic engineer had previously denied the request in 2021, but council members expressed disagreement. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 426-02 (Tax Assessment Board of Review Composition): Council President Wall introduced an amendment to conform the ordinance with the city charter, limiting the board to no more than two members from the same political party. The ordinance was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• The Budlong Pool construction timeline and budget were acknowledged; no formal vote was required.
• Verizon's petition was noted and will proceed to full council and later committee approval.
• Rhode Island Energy's presentation was received; no formal action taken, but the company will improve communication protocols.
• Ordinance 4-2601 was approved unanimously to add stop signs at Alpine Estates and Caraway.
• Ordinance 426-02 was approved unanimously to align the tax assessment board composition with the charter.