Cranston City Council Regular Meeting - August 17, 2026

The Cranston City Council held a regular meeting on August 17, 2026, at approximately 22:52 UTC. The agenda included approval of financial resolutions, a new police union contract, appointments to the Library Board, and discussions on public safety, property conditions, land donation, grant funding, and enforcement of sign ordinances. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved a resolution authorizing general obligation refunding bonds to refinance existing bonds from 2015 and 2016, saving an estimated $190,000 over 10 years.
• Unanimously approved a resolution to pay $22,560 in outstanding general obligation notes, with funds to be incorporated into future bond issuances.
• Unanimously approved real estate tax abatements.
• Unanimously approved the reappointment of Michael Goldberg and Drayton Fair, and the appointment of Kate Felder to the Cranston Library Board of Trustees for three-year terms.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lloyd Pettis (Warwick, RI) spoke about a year-old incident involving his son at 76 North Fork Street, alleging minors were being trained to manufacture narcotics. He expressed frustration with the response from the Princeton Police and the Attorney General's office, and requested community action to prevent future occurrences. He stated that only one arrest was made despite multiple individuals involved, and that the school zone aspect was overlooked.

Discussion Items

• Police Union Contract (IBO301, 2026-2029): Director Maretti praised the police department's professionalism. Director Strom detailed the financial impact: officers will receive $94,900 in fiscal year 2027 from a $100,000 labor contingency; then 2.5% raises on July 1 and January 1 in fiscal years 2028 and 2029, totaling approximately $2 million over the contract period. The council unanimously approved the changes; the full contract will be presented for final adoption at a future meeting due to procedural requirements.
• Shriner's Sign Update: The council discussed a previously lit sign that remained operational. The mayor had requested a cease and desist order, but it was unclear if one was issued. Councilwoman Vazieri noted the sign was still lit. The solicitor recommended that further discussion might require an executive session due to litigation. No action was taken.
• Devon Manor (1214 Cranston Street): Councilman Andujar and Bonano reported mold and rodent complaints at the privately owned senior housing. They stated that a group of tenants had approached them a year ago and that conditions had not improved. The solicitor noted that unless health threats are documented, it is a private landlord-tenant matter. The council suggested testing for mold and involving the health department. The item was left on the agenda for further follow-up.
• Land Donation Process: Councilman Andujar discussed a family that has been trying to donate a wetland parcel in Ward 3 for eight months with no response from the legal department. The solicitor explained the required process: a phase I environmental study and council resolution. Councilman Andujar expressed frustration over the delay. Director Moretti promised to follow up.
• Grant Funding Overview: Councilman Ritz requested an update on grants awarded in FY26. The director noted that the grant writer would present at the next meeting. Director Strom highlighted grants secured by Director Lima: $47,000 from the Help America Vote Act, $20,000 for election security, $15,000 from the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence, and $25,000 from RIVEC for playground mulch. The item was continued to the next meeting.
• Signs on Utility Poles: Councilman Ritz raised complaints about businesses illegally posting signs on utility poles. The solicitor outlined state and city laws with fines up to $500 per offense. After debate, the council agreed to send warning letters with photographs to violators, with fines to follow if signs are not removed. A previous lawsuit (Hunter v. Cranston) regarding selective enforcement was noted. The administration supported the approach.
• No Right Turn on Red Ordinance: Councilman Bonano presented an amendment to restrict right turns on red at Cranston Street and Gensett Avenue to school days only (7:00-8:30 AM and 2:00-3:30 PM) to protect crossing guards and students. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items and appointments passed unanimously.
• The police contract changes were approved unanimously; final adoption of the full contract will occur at a subsequent meeting.
• The ordinance on stop intersections (Item 6-15-02) was continued to September 22, 2026, due to a schedule change.
• The public works committee item (SAP sign for Armington) was continued to September 22, 2026.
• The grant funding overview was continued to the next meeting when the grant writer is available.
• The council directed the legal department to send warning letters to businesses violating sign ordinances, with fines to follow if non-compliance persists.
• The no-right-turn-on-red ordinance was adopted unanimously.
• All new business items were referred to respective committees except item 081702 (Board of Contracts and Purchases ordinance), which was referred to the Finance Committee.