Cranston City Council Regular Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Cranston City Council held a regular meeting on September 22, 2026, beginning with a brief special session for safety services and licensing, followed by the main council meeting. The council recognized several Little League champions, approved resolutions honoring Italian heritage and Hispanic Heritage Month, heard public comments on a proposed pool ordinance and ongoing Oakland Avenue flooding, and discussed issues with Waste Management services. Several committee reports and ordinance amendments were adopted, while one ordinance was continued to the October 19 meeting due to a drafting error.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the June 15, 2026 regular city council meeting were approved unanimously.
• Claims Committee: Reported no new claims as of September 14, 2026.
• Safety Services and License Committee: Reported nothing new as of September 14, 2026.
• Finance Committee: Real estate tax abatements and tangible tax abatement were approved unanimously.
• Public Works Committee: Approved a permit for work within the Rhode Island State Farm Cemetery with a plan dated January 21, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Drake Patton (684 Native Avenue, online): Opposed the resolution to permanently fly the Italian flag at Etre Park, calling it insulting to non-Italian taxpayers. He also criticized the proposed pool ordinance as overbroad, poorly drafted, and a two-year project based on only two documented pool rentals. He argued it could inadvertently restrict home daycares, church fundraisers, farms, and farmers markets.
• Jess Salter (6 Vaughn Lane, online): Expressed confusion over the pool ordinance's wording, noting that phrases like "including but not limited to" and the term "space" are ambiguous and could make the ordinance a citywide prohibition on compensated use of outdoor property for assemblies, not just pool rentals. She suggested simpler language targeting short-term rental of residential swimming pools.
• Kimberly Bagosian (45 Mount View Drive, in chambers): Reported on Oakland Avenue flooding, noting that flashing warning lights were not operating during a recent storm, and requested a solution.
• Robert Luzi (22 Waterfall Way, in chambers): Described his car being totaled after driving through floodwater on Oakland Avenue when warning lights were not flashing. He criticized the lack of response from police and fire, and urged the council to address the flooding hazard.
• Written testimony from Anthony Melillo and Joshua (last name not provided) was entered into the record unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Italian Flag Resolution: Sponsored by Councilman Banano and others, this resolution authorizes the permanent flying of the official flag of the Republic of Italy at Etre Park in Knightsville. Councilman Banano noted the park is named after the Italian town of Etri and that an Italian flag had flown there for about 50 years before being removed during park renovations. Multiple council members expressed support, and the resolution was approved unanimously with all council members added as co-sponsors.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution: Sponsored by Councilman Anduhar and others, this resolution celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2026). Councilman Anduhar highlighted the contributions of the Hispanic community in Cranston. The resolution was approved unanimously with all council members added as co-sponsors.
• Ordinance Committee Report:
  • One ordinance (relating to a yield sign) was continued to the October 19 meeting due to an incorrect call letter. Councilman Bonano noted a pattern where the traffic engineer changes recommendations after proposals are made.
  • Three traffic/parking ordinances (Ordinance 81703, 81704, 81705) were approved unanimously: yield sign installation, one-hour parking restrictions, and no parking/two-hour parking restrictions.
• Oakland Avenue Flooding Update: Councilman Ritz requested an update after a recent storm. The Director explained the flooding is a city-state problem, with water from Oakland Avenue (a state road) overwhelming Wilbur Avenue. A meeting with the acting DOT director is scheduled for September 23, 2026. No quick fix is expected; long-term solutions like raising the road or underground storage would cost millions. Councilwoman Graziano recommended applying for EPA 319 non-point source grants and suggested underground storage and infiltration basins. The council agreed to keep this item on for the October communications.
• Waste Management Update: Councilman Ritz reported that a meeting with Waste Management was suggested as a smaller group. The Director noted that local Waste Management staff are responsive but that the national call center is a major source of customer frustration. Issues include stolen or damaged bins, lack of replacement lids, and a citywide bin shortage (bins are 14 years old, past their 10-year lifecycle). New bins (about 1,000 each of blue and gray) are on order and expected in the second or third week of October. Council members expressed frustration over rodent problems, uncollected recycling, and lack of customer service. Councilman Banano called for more proactive oversight and accountability in the contract.

Key Outcomes

• The resolution to permanently fly the Italian flag at Etre Park was approved unanimously.
• The resolution celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month was approved unanimously.
• Real estate tax abatements and tangible tax abatement were approved unanimously.
• Public Works permit for the Rhode Island State Farm Cemetery was approved.
• Three traffic/parking ordinances were approved unanimously; one ordinance was continued to October 19, 2026.
• Written testimony from two individuals was entered into the record unanimously.
• The council will follow up on Oakland Avenue flooding with a meeting scheduled with DOT on September 23, 2026, and will explore grant opportunities.
• A smaller meeting with Waste Management will be arranged to address customer service and bin replacement issues.
• All new business items were referred to respective subcommittees unanimously.