Cranston Safety Services & Licensing and Finance Committees Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Cranston City Council's Safety Services and Licensing Committee and Finance Committee met jointly on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:56 PM. The licensing committee processed numerous liquor and victualing license renewals, transfers, and continuances. The finance committee addressed a resolution on unfunded state mandates, updates on payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) negotiations with Johnson & Wales University and the Howard Complex, monthly financial reports, and a proposed ordinance to increase council oversight of large contracts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comment during either committee session.

License Approvals & Continuances (Safety Services & Licensing Committee)

• Class A liquor license renewals (items 1–8): Approved as a block (6-0 vote).
• Transfer – J Gaga Inc. dba Capital Liquors: Continued to October 13, 2026, pending missing documentation (6-0).
• Class B renewals: Alpine Country Club approved (6-0); Cochi Cranston LLC dba Coochie Sushi & Steakhouse continued to next month (6-0); LSF Cranston dba Legal Seafood approved (6-0); Lunchbox Cafe LLC continued (6-0); Massera's Italian Restaurant continued (6-0); Paparazza Cranston dba Avio continued (6-0); Spectacle Management dba Spectacle Live approved (6-0).
• Class B V renewals: Taba Frankie Canteen Inc. approved subject to receipt of tax clearance letter (6-0); Basil's Pizza (1270 Cranston St.) approved subject to letter (6-0).
• Transfer – Mulligan's Island (Golf Ranch): Approved subject to seller's letter of good standing from the state (6-0). Applicant Michael Canfield stated hours 10 AM–9 PM, renovations underway, opening expected late February 2027, with 24/7 remote security.
• New license – Cafe E Tree (1686 Cranston St.): Approved subject to health department inspection and tax clearance (6-0). Attorney Christopher Masselli explained the prior owner owed taxes, so a new license was required. Hours: 10 AM–11 PM daily.
• New license – Wicked Goods Sausage Company (1674 Cranston St.): Approved subject to letter of good standing (6-0). Hours: 10 AM–12 AM.
• Show cause – Lane's Bolarama: Continued to October 13, 2026, at police department's request (6-0).
• Victualing licenses: Baked It Buns LLC (1757 Cranston St.) approved with hours 7 AM–10 PM daily, subject to health inspection (6-0). Cafe E Tree approved subject to tax clearance and health inspection (6-0). Wicked Goods Sausage Company approved subject to health inspection (6-0). Block approvals (items A, B, D, E, F, G) approved as a block (6-0).
• Mobile food establishment – Bittersweet LLC: Monthly schedules accepted (6-0).

Discussion Items

• Resolution on Unfunded State Mandates (Councilman Campo Biano): The resolution urges the Rhode Island General Assembly and Department of Education to fully fund state mandates on school districts. Councilman Campo Biano cited that since 2021 high-cost education programs cost Cranston approximately $43 million while only $4 million was reimbursed. Council Vice President Heroyan noted additional burdens like cell phone bans causing anxiety and financial strain. Councilman Trapacante expressed pessimism but supported the resolution. A letter from Representative Chris Papalaskis and school committee member Anthony Malillo were entered into the record. The resolution passed 6-0.
• Johnson & Wales University PILOT Update (Council Vice President Heroyan): Director Moretti and Director Strom reported that no PILOT payments have been received for three years (prior payments: $224k in 2021, $218k in 2022, $190k in 2023). The state paid Cranston $258k last year on behalf of J&W properties. Two recent meetings led to a draft memorandum of understanding, and a $120,000 good faith check was received from J&W. Council President Wall noted J&W is under no legal obligation to pay. Councilman Ritz spoke positively of the university as a partner. Councilwoman Heroyan asked that updates be added monthly until resolved.
• Howard Complex PILOT Update (Councilwoman Vaziri): Police calls to the complex totaled 366 in the past year; fire/rescue calls exceeded 500. The city is not reimbursed for these services. State PILOT payments have declined: $2M (2021), $4.8M (2022), $5M (2023), $4M (2024), $4M (2025), $3.3M (2026); budgeted $3.6M for FY27. The formula is based on property assessment (27% of value) every two years, not on service calls. Councilwoman Vaziri expressed concern that PILOT is decreasing while service demands increase. Mayor Trapacante noted the city remains the first responder despite state police jurisdiction.
• Monthly Financial Reports (June, July, August 2026): Director Strom presented final FY26 figures: city deficit $8.3M (including ~$1M from blizzard/windstorm), school deficit $1M, combined $9.4M; fund balance (rainy day) dropped from $14.5M to $6.6M. Snow removal budget for FY27 is $740k (vs. $1.5M actual in FY26). For August 2026 (first quarter), revenues at 26.39% of budget, expenses at 20.27%, showing a preliminary surplus but cautioned it's early. Overtime in police/fire is on track. Medical claims and energy costs remain risks. The work program (quarterly budget tracking) will be available for the November finance meeting.
• Ordinance 81702 – Board of Contracts and Purchases Oversight (Council President Wall): The proposed ordinance would require all contracts, purchase orders, or change orders of $100,000 or more approved by the Board of Contracts and Purchases (BOCAP) to also be approved by the City Council, with detailed documentation provided. Council President Wall argued for transparency, citing the St. Mary's Foundry fountain project ($3M+ approved without detailed backup). An amendment was offered (removing