East Providence City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026

The East Providence City Council met on March 3, 2026, with a quorum of three members (Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego, and Councilman Lawson). Councilman Fogerty was absent due to emergency dental surgery, and Councilwoman Sousa was absent due to illness. The meeting covered a range of topics including a detailed recap of the Blizzard of 2026, approvals for park improvements, license matters, and proclamations.

Consent Calendar

• Council Journals & Minutes – Minutes from the February 17, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously (3-0).

Licenses

• Bundled Licenses (Items 1-3) – A motion to bundle and approve a special event one-day entertainment license at 150 Emerald Street, a victualing license for 350 North Broadway (applicant Amand Ahmad), and a victualing license for an ice cream shop at 45 Newport Avenue passed unanimously (3-0).
• Cafe Alma Class B License (Item 4) – Council Vice President Rego recused himself based on an ethics opinion, leaving the council without a quorum to vote. The applicant, Kevin Matos (owner of Cafe Alma), addressed the council, confirming the business is ready to open. The license was continued to the March 17, 2026 meeting, with the possibility of a special meeting if quorum can be arranged sooner.

Appointments

• Matthew Shoemaker to Waterfront District Commission – Appointed for a four-year term effective March 3, 2026 to March 2, 2030. Motion to approve passed 3-0. Mr. Shoemaker, an East Providence resident who works for the City of Providence, expressed enthusiasm for serving on the commission.

Discussion Items

• Blizzard of 2026 Recap – Council President Rodericks led a discussion on the historic storm (Winter Storm Hernando) that occurred February 22-23, 2026. Mayor DeSilva presented a preliminary report: the city experienced 36+ inches of snowfall, sustained winds of 60 mph, white-out conditions, and widespread power outages (311 customers lost power for ~24 hours). The city activated its emergency operations plan, opened a shelter that housed 8 residents, and deployed extra fire and police personnel. Key statistics: Fire/EMS received 99 calls, police logged 931 calls, and DPW deployed 35 employees (2,252 hours) along with 17 water department employees (630 hours) and 9 central garage employees (630 hours). Equipment used: 60 plow trucks, 2 loaders, 3 backhoes, 3 dump trucks; 534 tons of salt were applied; 807 truckloads of snow were hauled. Estimated overtime costs: Fire $27,715, Police $11,500, DPW $186,274 – total $260,126. The city is seeking 75% FEMA reimbursement. Council members and the mayor commended DPW, police, fire, school maintenance crews, and community volunteers. Councilman Lawson encouraged residents to support local restaurants affected by the parking ban.
• Community Choice Electricity Aggregation – Council Vice President Rego requested an update. Andre Herrera reported that the city is meeting with Providence and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns to explore options. Councilman Lawson suggested contacting Narragansett, which has a successful program. The procurement specialist has already reached out to all municipalities with aggregation programs.
• East Providence 250 Website Funding – Council Vice President Rego moved a request for up to $3,000 from the Public Celebrations account to fund a website and associated costs for the 250th anniversary celebration (2026-2027). The clerk advised the account balance is $1,280. The council will identify an alternative funding source and bring a resolution at the next meeting.
• Crescent Park Projects (Bathrooms, Building, Event Tent) – Councilman Lawson requested an update. Andre Herrera stated that revised structural drawings have been received and New England Construction is pricing the revisions. Mechanical drawings are expected by the end of the week; after that, pricing and a contract can move forward. Councilman Lawson expressed confusion that the project was presented to council for funding without a signed contract or final plans. The project remains on track for late winter/early spring start.
• Hometown Heroes Banners – Councilman Lawson provided an update: the banner program was delayed by the storm. Forms are being finalized to include location options (Riverside, Rumford, or Warren Avenue). Banners will cost $100 each and include name, branch of service, years served, and city logo (no photos). Promotion will begin once forms are ready.

Public Hearings

• John Lewis Park Paving (Ordinance) – Additional $94,000 from the unallocated capital fund for paving and site improvements at John Lewis Park. Council President Rodericks noted the park is a small pocket park near the yacht club that will become part of a larger waterfront development. No public comment was offered. Motion passed unanimously (3-0) as first and final passage.
• Police Substation & Recreation Storage at Pierce Memorial Stadium (Ordinance) – Additional $486,710 for construction of a police substation and recreation storage facility. Council members highlighted community policing benefits, vandalism deterrence, and storage for recreation equipment. Carol Brown of 99 Goldsmith Avenue asked about operating hours; the mayor clarified the substation will be available to police 24/7 but not manned full-time. It will serve as a place for officers to file reports, meet with the public, and take breaks, and can be staffed during special events. Motion passed 3-0.

Mayor's Communications

• Appointment – Errol Danaheed to the Juvenile Hearing Board for a three-year term (March 3, 2026 to March 2, 2029). Approved 3-0.
• Proclamations – March was proclaimed Irish American Heritage Month (with a St. Patrick's Day celebration at City Hall on March 17 at 11:30 a.m.), International Women's Day/Women's History Month (nominations accepted), the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, and Social Work Month. Council members expressed support for each recognition.

Resolutions & Ordinances

• Resolution for Police Substation Contract – Authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Duban Masonry Construction LLC for the Pierce Memorial Stadium substation. Approved 3-0.
• Resolution for Electric Distribution Easement – Granting a permanent easement to Narragansett Electric Company for the new East Providence Community Center. Approved 3-0.
• Ordinance Amending Property Tax Exemptions – Updated property tax exemptions for veterans and persons 65 years and older based on the most recent reevaluations. Councilman Lawson noted the importance of supporting veterans. Passed 3-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar and bundled licenses approved unanimously.
• Cafe Alma Class B license continued to March 17 (or special meeting) due to recusal.
• Matthew Shoemaker appointed to the Waterfront District Commission.
• $2,500 approved for the McCoya Powell Powwow from the Public Celebrations account.
• $94,000 for John Lewis Park paving and $486,710 for Pierce Stadium substation/storage approved as first and final passage.
• Resolutions for the police substation contract and electric easement approved.
• Property tax exemption update approved.
• Blizzard response and costs noted; FEMA reimbursement sought.
• Future discussions set for community electricity aggregation and 250th website funding.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned by motion at approximately 8:30 p.m.