Cranston City Council Regular Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Cranston City Council held its regular meeting on May 18, 2026, with all eight members present. The meeting included resolutions, committee reports, public comments, ordinance amendments, and discussions on budget oversight. All votes taken were unanimous (8-0). Highlights included the proclamation of Older Americans Month, approval of a new stop sign ordinance, debate on the Tax Assessment Board of Review membership, and a push for quarterly budget work programs.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The council approved the minutes from previous meetings as a block without objection, with all members voting yes.
• Resolution Proclaiming Older Americans Month: A resolution declaring May 2026 as Older Americans Month was sponsored by Councilmembers Anderhar, Trafficante, and Banano, and co-sponsored by six others. It passed unanimously after brief remarks highlighting the contributions of older adults.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Comment on Docketed Matters: Kimberly Bagoshan of 45 Mount View Drive made brief comments referencing a radio appearance by Councilman Bonano. No other public comments were made on docketed matters.
• Comment on Undocketed Matters: Marcia Fowler of 35 Milton Avenue addressed the council. She criticized the administration for intimidating financial watchdogs and lacking transparency, particularly regarding pool spending and the budget deficit. She suggested the council seek advice from former city finance officials and commended Councilman Campopiano for organizing a recycling center tour.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 04-2601 – Stop Intersections: Councilman Anderhar presented an ordinance to add a multi-way stop on Caraway Drive. The traffic engineer recommended denial, citing inconsistent data, and proposed a two-way yield or stop instead. Council members argued that residents had long desired a full stop sign for safety, citing observed dangerous turns. The council approved the ordinance as written, with all members voting yes. Council President Wall was added as a co-sponsor.
• Ordinance 04-2602 – Tax Assessment Board of Review: Councilman Anderhar presented an ordinance to amend the city code to conform the Tax Assessment Board of Review’s membership to the charter, requiring that no more than two members be of the same political party and adding two alternates. Solicitor Videcchio raised a procedural concern that the alternates were not in the charter, warning of a potential precedent. After debate, the council voted to approve the ordinance as presented, with the understanding that the charter would later be amended to match. All members voted yes. Councilman Campopiano expressed concern about board salaries but was told that issue was not on the agenda.
• Council President’s Communication – Budget Oversight: Council President Wall discussed Section 6.15 of the city charter, which requires each department (except the school committee) to submit a quarterly work program to the mayor showing planned allotments of appropriations. He requested that the administration provide these work programs to the council to help forestall deficits. Finance Director Strom noted that monthly and weekly reports are already provided but agreed to work on a format for the quarterly plans. The council agreed to keep the item on the next month’s agenda for an update.
• Councilmember Communication – Economic Development Grants: Councilman Anderhar requested an update on the status of economic development grants. Director Paulino reported that 196 of 200 grants have been distributed, with the remaining four to be finalized within the week. An updated spreadsheet with business details will be provided to the council.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Votes: All resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously (8-0), including the Older Americans Month proclamation, two finance committee resolutions (tax exemption support and tax abatements), Ordinance 04-2601 (stop intersections), and Ordinance 04-2602 (tax assessment board).
• Referrals: The nomination of Richard Green as Assistant Fire Chief was referred to the Finance Committee. All new business items were referred to their respective committees.
• Future Meetings: A special Safety Services and License Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The legal expense report was tabled to the next month’s meeting, with a request to include an executive session.
• Next Steps: The council will continue discussions on budget oversight and the quarterly work program at the next meeting. The economic development grant program is expected to close by the end of the week.