East Providence City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025

The East Providence City Council convened on November 18, 2025, with a quorum present despite the absence of Councilman Fogerty due to a family emergency. The meeting proceeded to review and approve routine council journals, tax abatements, and licensing renewals. Significant public commentary addressed e-bike ordinances and local park revitalization, while the council honored three veteran community members and recognized the city's sister city relationship with Via Franca do Campo, Portugal. Several resolutions regarding grants and traffic safety were approved, and the meeting concluded with an introduction of the new Director of Policy and Constituent Services.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the journals for the meetings of September 30, 2025, and November 4, 2025 (with the November 4th item tabled to the December 4th meeting as requested).
• Tax abatements, cancellations, and abatements were approved, totaling $25,982.76.
• Tax Assessment Board of Review amounts of $2,337 were approved.
• Licenses C1 through C4 (business licenses) were bundled and approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rick Lawson: Spoke positively about the recent Veterans Day dinner and the upcoming Veterans Cafe event at the senior center, expressing gratitude to local businesses and organizations (Roses Tavern, All Seasons Cafe, Blue Star Moms, Elks) for their participation. He extended thanks to himself, Councilman Fogerty, and Councilwoman Sousa for their roles in the event.
• Clay Graham (Resident, 59 Grosvenor Avenue): Addressed the upcoming e-bike ordinance, asking for clarification on the distinction between Class 1-3 e-bikes and motorized dirt bikes. He highlighted the value of e-bikes for commuting (e.g., to Brown University) and noted local speeding issues (estimating 50-60 mph) as a safety concern for families and seniors. He requested that responsible e-bike users not be penalized. In response, a Council member clarified that no e-bike vote would occur that evening due to legal advertising requirements; the ordinance is scheduled for the December 2nd meeting. The Council member reiterated that the ordinance aims to prohibit e-bikes on courts, tennis courts, and grassy fields while permitting their use in park parking lots, aligning with state laws.
• Alex Bulbis (Resident, 104 Waterview Avenue) and Daniel: Expressed strong enthusiasm for potential investment and grant opportunities specifically for the "Spooky Bottom" area. They praised existing improvements, including the "Troll" installation and fencing, for revitalizing the space and increasing foot traffic. They urged the Council to continue developing the area to make it usable for children, adults, and for activities like calisthenics.

Discussion Items

• Veterans' Honors and Sister City Relations: Mayor DeSilva introduced Andre Herrera as the new Director of Policy and Constituent Services. The Council read proclamations including:
  • Affirming the sister city relationship with Via Franca do Campo, Portugal, recognizing the strong cultural and immigrant ties between the two communities, specifically highlighting the Portuguese-American community in East Providence.
  • Recognizing Corporal Avellino "Chappie" Rose (1924–2024), an East Providence native, World War II Vietnam-era Trailblazer, and pillar of the Cape Verdean community.
  • Recognizing Staff Sergeant Peter Barilla (1934–2024), a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War and former East Providence School District administrator.
• School Construction Updates: Council President Rodericks and Councilman Lawson provided updates on the middle school wing ribbon-cutting on November 25th, with student occupancy beginning December 1st. They noted the project is under budget and emphasized the Council's full support for the building committee and contractors, dismissing ongoing negativity from naysayers.
• Licensing Recusal: Council Vice President Rigo recused himself from the discussion regarding annual alcoholic beverage license renewals but participated as a member of the public.

Key Outcomes

• Voting Results:
  • Licenses C1-C4: Approved unanimously (4-0).
  • Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: Approved (3-0; Council Vice President Rigo recused).
  • Street Abandonment: Approved the abandonment of a 1,350 square-foot unimproved portion of Breeze Avenue (for the property at 82 Crescent View Avenue, owned by Paul Platt).
  • Resolution on Grant Application: Approved the submission of a grant application to the RI DEM Recreation Department Development Grant Program.
  • Resolution on Traffic Safety: Approved a request to the RI State Traffic Commission to install a left-turn signal and lane at Patucket Avenue and Waterman Avenue.
  • License Amendment Ordinance: Approved an ordinance amending Chapter 8, Section 8-31B to repeal holiday sales licenses.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn carried unanimously.