Cranston City Council Regular Meeting – July 20, 2026

The Cranston City Council met on July 20, 2026, to discuss and vote on several agenda items. The council approved putting six bond questions on the November ballot totaling $51 million for infrastructure, schools, and safety equipment, passed an outdoor fires ordinance, heard public concerns about Flock Safety cameras and the Bud Long Pool, and addressed various committee reports and council communications.

Consent Calendar

• Real Estate Tax Abatements: Approved unanimously (9-0) after a motion and second, with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marsha Fowler (35 Milton Ave): Requested the city publish a clear, step-by-step explanation of how bond funds are borrowed and spent, noting the council's oversight. Also praised Finance Director Strom for his professionalism at a prior meeting.
• Isabella (308 Auburn St): Opposed the use of Flock Safety cameras by the city, citing privacy concerns, constitutional issues, and lack of transparency. She noted over 240 cameras in Rhode Island and 29 in Cranston, and said 80 communities across the U.S. have canceled such contracts.
• Isaiah Kalangis (71 Biocliffe Rd): Also opposed Flock cameras, arguing they violate Fourth Amendment rights and are installed without public consent or notice. He listed specific camera locations and called for council action.

Discussion Items

• Bond Ballot Questions (6 bonds, $51 million total): Council President Wall and Finance Chair Anduha presented the resolutions to place six bond questions on the November 3 general election ballot: storm drains ($4M), public buildings, playgrounds, streets, fire and safety equipment, and schools. Council members generally expressed support, emphasizing these are "need-to-have" projects and that voter approval does not authorize immediate borrowing; each project would require further council approval. Councilman Campagnano noted remaining bond authority and asked about using the sewer fund for storm drains. The city solicitor clarified that the sewer enterprise fund cannot be used for drainage without a new ordinance. After discussion, the council voted 9-0 to approve the ballot questions.
• Outdoor Fires Ordinance (Amendment to Title 8): Sponsored by Council Vice President Heroyan, the ordinance requires fire marshal inspection of outdoor gas fire pits. Councilwoman Graziano expressed frustration that the ordinance was only seen moments before the meeting. The council approved it 9-0 after a minor grammatical correction was noted but not made (the language will be fixed later).
• Right-Turn-Only Ordinance (Ordinance 6-1501): Continued to the next meeting because the advertised version did not reflect a committee amendment adding "on school days only."
• Stop Intersections Ordinance (Ordinance 6-1502): Continued to the August 5 ordinance committee meeting at the sponsor's request.
• Shriners LED Sign: Councilwoman Graziano raised concerns about a bright LED sign at the Shriners property that was cited but remains lit pending a July 27 court date. She and Councilman Bonano argued the city should have the authority to order the sign turned off immediately. The city solicitor advised waiting for the court date and noted a letter from a law firm representing the Shriners, potentially leading to litigation.
• Residential Pool Rentals (Swiply App): Councilman Ritz reported on ongoing issues with pool rentals through the Swiply app. He has a meeting with the CEO to discuss modifications, including restricting rentals to homeowners and improving complaint handling. He suggested new ordinances may be needed, possibly modeled after New York state laws.
• Ordinance Timeline and Process: Councilman Ritz asked for a realistic timeline for ordinances, using the 20-year look-back ordinance (still pending after 5 months). The city solicitor and council attorney acknowledged communication gaps and agreed to create a shared spreadsheet to track ordinance progress. Councilman Bonano criticized the delay and lack of preparation.
• Bud Long Pool Fees and Hours: Councilman Ritz asked about fee determination, hours, and usage data. Director Ronzuli (for the Parks Director) reported: fees increased modestly over 2019 rates (2-4 age free, 5-17 $8, residents season pass $60); 95% positive feedback; 445 season passes sold; peak attendance 540 on July 17; no one turned away due to capacity. The hours will be extended on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m. beginning the next day. Council members discussed possibly eliminating resident fees and creating a restricted receipt account for pool revenue. Councilman Traficante noted that historically residents were not charged. The council agreed to gather more data before making further changes.

Key Outcomes

• Approved 9-0: Resolution placing six bond questions ($51 million total) on the November 3 ballot.
• Approved 9-0: Real estate tax abatements.
• Approved 9-0: Outdoor fires ordinance (amendment to Title 8, Chapter 8, Section 200).
• Continued: Right-turn-only ordinance to next meeting.
• Continued: Stop intersections ordinance to August 5 ordinance committee.
• Moved to Committees: All remaining new business items (except opening of bids for Cardinal Road properties, which had no bids) were referred to appropriate subcommittees by a unanimous vote.
• Audit Committee Meeting Scheduled: August 3, 2026 at 5 p.m.
• Data Tracking: Pool attendance and weather data will be tracked; hours extended on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m. starting July 21.
• Legal Report: City solicitor clarified that $47,000 in legal expenses reported in the media for the mayor's motor vehicle settlement were actually for a related property rights lawsuit against the city, not for defending the mayor personally. No city funds were spent on the motor vehicle case.