Cranston Public Works and Ordinance Committee Meeting – August 5, 2026

The City of Cranston held a joint meeting of the Public Works Committee and the Ordinance Committee on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, beginning at 6:11 PM and adjourning at 7:49 PM. The meeting included discussion and votes on a Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) permit near a historic cemetery, public comments on an allegedly illegal sign and court proceedings, council communications on a proposed shared use path, dumpster enforcement, a Shriner's LED sign update, residential pool rentals, trash bin maintenance, a stop sign ordinance, and a stormwater management ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 6, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously by roll call (Council members Andohar, Vazeri, Campapiano, Bernano, Heroyan, Graziano, and President Wall all voted yes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Kelleher (55 Alhambra Circle) spoke about the Shriner's LED sign in Patuxet Village, asserting it is an illegal sign without proper permits. He called for its removal and criticized the city for inaction.
• Kimberly Bagosian (45 Mount View Drive) reported attending a Cranston Municipal Court hearing on July 27, 2026, regarding a three-person party, noting the presence of Mr. Marcelo.
• Several residents attempted to speak on the stop sign issue but were redirected to the Ordinance Committee portion of the meeting.

Discussion Items

Public Works Committee

• RIDOT Permit for Work Near State Farm Cemetery No. 1: David Walsh, Assistant Director of Administrative Services for RIDOT, presented a permit request for milling, paving, and guardrail replacement within 25 feet of the historic cemetery as part of the $143 million Route 37 corridor project. Council members expressed concerns about boundary accuracy, archaeological surveys, and construction phasing. Councilman Andohar requested detailed plans and a written construction phasing plan to ensure no encroachment. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to continue the matter to the next public works meeting.
• Council President Wall on RIDOT Shared Use Path and Bike Lanes: President Wall reported that RIDOT had planned an 8-foot-wide shared use path through the Royal Ridge condominium complex and bike lanes on Belvedere Avenue and Freehold Avenue, without prior notice to residents or the city. He described the plan as an infringement on property rights and praised residents for opposing it. RIDOT later withdrew the plan, committing to future public outreach. Councilman Ritz thanked President Wall for his advocacy. Director Moretti confirmed the mayor was unaware of the project and had opposed it when previously discussed. RIDOT's letter acknowledged community concerns and promised outreach.
• Council President Wall on Overflowing Dumpsters: President Wall presented a photo of a dumpster with a cracked side and overflowing trash, citing it as a rat hazard. He urged the city to cite violators immediately under Chapter 8.12 of city ordinances, with a maximum fine of $300 per day until the problem is fixed. No formal vote was taken, but the discussion supported stricter enforcement.
• Shriner's LED Sign Update (Councilwoman Graziano): Councilwoman Graziano requested an update on the LED sign violation. Solicitor Vic D'Ercoli reported that the matter is in municipal court and that the Shriners agreed to turn off the sign by 9:00 PM pending the court outcome. Graziano objected, arguing the sign should be completely shut off since it lacks both a zoning board waiver and an electrical permit. She compared it to allowing construction without a building permit. Council members expressed frustration and called for a cease-and-desist order and daily fines. The solicitor explained that a cease-and-desist is an administrative step and that enforcement requires court action. Graziano asked the administration to take all possible enforcement actions, including issuing fines from the date of citation. No formal vote was taken.
• Residential Pool Rentals (Councilman Ritz): Councilman Ritz reported meeting with Swimply's CEO, who provided a direct contact for complaints and promised to block abusers. Ritz noted Swimply's small staff limits responsiveness but said they are improving. Council President Wall supports an ordinance to prohibit recreational pool rentals in residential zones, citing safety and neighborhood disruption. Councilman Trafficante agreed that such rentals are illegal business operations in residential zones.
• Trash and Recycling Bin Maintenance (Councilman Ritz): Ritz asked for clarification on how residents should report broken bins. Director Moretti explained that residents should call Waste Management directly (or use the app) for repairs. Over the past year (July 2025 to June 2026), Waste Management replaced 2,326 carts and repaired 3,000 components (wheels and lids). The city recently ordered 1,800 new 65-gallon bins (900 each for trash and recycling) at $42 per bin, with delivery expected in 4–6 weeks. The new bins include rodent retardant and better quality. Councilman Camiapiano asked about bin size and quality; Director Moretti confirmed both trash and recycling bins are 65 gallons, and the new bins are claimed to be higher quality.

Ordinance Committee

• Stop Sign at Marcy Street (Ordinance 6-15-O-2): Councilwoman Graziano presented an ordinance to add a stop sign at Marcy Street and Armington Street. She noted that police conducted a speed study and found a stop sign reasonable, and the traffic engineer had not yet responded. Residents and three children testified about dangerous speeding and near misses. Graziano recommended striking lines 22-23 and adding line 28 to the ordinance. The motion to approve was seconded and passed unanimously (7-0).
• Stormwater Management for New Construction (Ordinance 7-20-01): Councilwoman Andohar introduced an ordinance to require stormwater management on sites under one acre (which currently have no state requirement) using Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management standards. She cited increasing precipitation rates (NOAA Atlas 14) and aging infrastructure as causes of flooding. The ordinance applies to new impervious surfaces and was drafted with the planning department. She requested referral to the Planning Commission for review and public comment. Councilwoman Vazieri expressed support and noted it would be a legacy item. Councilman Camiapiano raised questions about specific lines (65-66, 102-105, and parking dimensions). The motion to refer to the Planning Commission passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• RIDOT Cemetery Permit: Continued to the next public works meeting for additional plans and written construction phasing. (Unanimous vote.)
• RIDOT Shared Use Path: RIDOT withdrew the plan after council and resident opposition; agency committed to future public outreach. No formal vote; resolution achieved.
• Overflowing Dumpsters: No formal action, but council expressed support for daily fines under existing ordinance.
• Shriner's LED Sign: No formal vote; council asked administration to consider cease-and-desist, fines, and all enforcement options. Matter remains in municipal court.
• Residential Pool Rentals: Council President Wall indicated intent to introduce an ordinance prohibiting such rentals.
• Trash Bin Maintenance: New bins ordered; process for reporting repairs clarified (call Waste Management or use app).
• Stop Sign Ordinance: Approved with amendment and will proceed to full city council. (Unanimous vote.)
• Stormwater Management Ordinance: Referred to the Planning Commission for review and recommendations. (Unanimous vote.)