East Providence City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The East Providence City Council convened for a regular meeting on November 4, 2025, proceeding from an executive session to discuss claims and labor agreements. The meeting featured the Mayor's communications regarding a leadership change and the retirement contract for the Fire Department, followed by public comments on traffic safety and road conditions. The Council voted on various ordinances, resolutions, and appointments, including significant measures regarding electric bicycle regulations and a new police department website contract.

Consent Calendar

• Executive Session Minutes: Sealed by a unanimous vote (3-0).
• Audit Contract: Approved a motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with CBIZ CPAs for auditing services (3-0).
• Police PR Services: Approved an agreement with John Gilfoyle Public Relations to update the police department's social media and website infrastructure, funded by federal asset forfeiture funds (3-0).
• Vehicle Purchase: Authorized the purchase of two pickup trucks for the Department of Public Works (3-0).
• Historical Society Grant: Allocated $750 to the East Providence Historical Society for their annual horse-drawn carriage ride (3-0).
• Ordinances (Routine): Approved routine ordinances authorizing borrowing for tax anticipation notes, updating personnel pension language, and ordering property tax assessments (all 3-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Traffic Signal Request (Ken Gusher): Expressed urgent concern regarding the lack of a left-hand turn signal at the intersection of Waterman and Tucker Avenue, noting it impedes access to the senior center. The speaker argued the State Traffic Commission's requirement to widen the highway is unnecessary and requested the Council push for immediate action, suggesting a petition. The Council agreed to revisit the issue and potentially draft a resolution.
• Speeding and Enforcement (Debbie Perry Good): Requested the installation of a four-way stop sign or speed monitor at the intersection of Standish and Merrill Avenues due to speeding vehicles and tractor-trailer trucks knocking down stop signs. The speaker also reported drag racing on Massasoit Avenue at night and requested increased police presence. The Council and Police Chief agreed to address enforcement and signage issues.
• Electric Bike Ordinance Opposition: A resident expressed strong opposition to the electric bicycle ordinance amendment, arguing it is "ridiculous" to penalize bike riding in parks for concerts or transit. The speaker argued that installing cameras in public spaces would be a more effective deterrent to vandalism than banning e-bikes and seizing property (position stated during discussion).

Discussion Items

• Chief of Staff Transition: Mayor announced the departure of Chief of Staff Patricia Rosendi, who accepted a position with the Rhode Island State Senate. The Mayor expressed full gratitude for her work, noting she often worked 10-13 hours a week. The appointment of Andre Herrera as Director of Policy and Constituent Services, starting the following Monday, was announced.
• Fire Department Contract: The Mayor and Solicitor discussed the recently negotiated contract, highlighting that the firefighters union achieved a "true zero in year one" (0% increase) to assist with budget pressures. The Council unanimously approved the contract in the public session.
• Tribute to Sgt. John Andrews: The Council observed a moment of silence for the late Sergeant John Andrews, a beloved officer known for his effective traffic control and community involvement, who passed away due to illness after a short retirement.
• Veterans Appreciation Dinner: The Veterans Advisory Commission announced the third annual dinner to be held on November 12 at St. Martha's Church, inviting active duty veterans and military families.
• Tower Location Issues: Administration reported that the approved cell tower project encounters a conservation easement restriction at the Grassy Plains site, with the team currently researching alternative locations or land swaps.
• Electric Bicycle Ordinance (First Passage): Council members explained the new ordinance, which aligns with state law to prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks and in city parks to prevent vandalism. The proposal includes forfeiture proceedings for bikes used in violation of park rules. Councilmember Lawson opposed the seizure and forfeiture aspect, suggesting cameras instead.

Key Outcomes

• Firefighter Contract: Approved unanimously (3-0) with a 0% wage increase for the first fiscal year.
• Conservation Commission Appointments: Approved Michael David Nelson and Chester Levine to the Conservation Commission for terms of January 2025 through January 2028 (3-0).
• Liquor Licenses: Continued the public hearing for four pending liquor licenses to November 18, 2025, to wait for full council attendance (3-0).
• Electric Bicycle Ordinance: Passed first reading with a vote of 2-1 (opposed by Councilmember Lawson), prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks and in parks.
• Stop Sign Ordinance: Passed first reading (3-0) to designate a stop sign at the intersection of Ferris Avenue.
• Pension Ordinance: Amended Section 11-252 to clarify that surviving spouse benefits are based on the spouse at the time of retirement (3-0).
• School Capital Appropriation: Appropriated $134,795 from the School Capital Improvement Revolving Fund for high school repairs and construction (3-0).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned following a tribute to local high school athletic achievements.