East Providence City Council Meeting - September 15, 2026

The East Providence City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with all five council members present. The meeting included approvals of licenses, ordinances, and resolutions, a presentation on the SOAMS National Heritage Area Feasibility Study, and discussion of budget dates and a resident's property damage dispute.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar, including council journals from September 1, 2026, and cancellations/abatements, by a unanimous vote.

Licenses

• Approved a bundle of seven license items unanimously, including special event and entertainment licenses for Molly Burgess, Steve Soltz, Brian Benedict, Drew Shannon, and a new mobile food establishment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Captain Richard Ferrara (51 Arrowhead Avenue, Riverside, RI) spoke on three issues:
  • Rescue service bills: He reported that elderly East Providence residents are receiving supplementary bills from other cities (e.g., Warren) when mutual aid rescues respond. He argued that residents should not have to pay. Council members clarified that the City of East Providence is not sending these bills and that residents do not have to pay, but acknowledged the system generates invoices automatically. Council Vice President Riga suggested a computer process to route bills to the fire department. Council President Rodrigues promised to ask the mayor's office for clarification on the city website.
  • Potholes: He complained that contractors repaving roads leave potholes at drains by not lifting them before paving, citing a recent issue on Wampanoag Trail to Pawtucket Avenue. He urged proper inspection and withholding payment for poor work. Councilwoman Sousa agreed that inspection capacity is limited and urged reporting issues.
  • Urgent care: He noted a lack of urgent care facilities on the east side of the Washington Bridge, which became apparent after the bridge closure. Council members acknowledged the need and discussed the challenges of attracting such facilities.
• Ms. Rigo (a resident) spoke during the public hearing on the SOAMS study? Actually, after the ordinance introduction, she addressed the council about a property damage dispute with Clean Care, a cleaning company hired by the city's insurer. She claimed her belongings were not properly cleaned and some were damaged or held for storage fees. The city solicitor explained the council has no authority over the private company and advised her to work through her attorney. Council members expressed sympathy but stated they could not resolve the dispute.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Dates and Hearings: Council President Rodrigues presented a proposed schedule of Tuesday meetings for budget workshops, starting September 22, 2026, with a public hearing on September 29, 2026, and final approval by October 26, 2026. Councilwoman Sousa noted conflicts with her work schedule for September 22 and 29 but said she would try to adjust. The solicitor confirmed the schedule was informational only and no vote was needed.
• SOAMS National Heritage Area Feasibility Study: Jim Moran (former councilman) and Laura McNamara presented the completed feasibility study, which recommends federal designation as a National Heritage Area for the nine-community region (Bristol, Barrington, East Providence, Providence, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, and Warren). They highlighted 12,000 years of history, extensive community engagement (over 460 meetings), and letters of support from all nine communities. They requested the council accept the study and initiate actions to impress upon the federal delegation. Council accepted the report unanimously and agreed to develop a formal resolution for the next meeting.
• School Committee Liaison Report: Councilman Lawson reported that the school committee passed a budget of approximately $106 million, which was received by the city clerk that day. He noted major cost drivers (transportation, special education) and expressed concern about criticism from some school committee members toward the council. He emphasized the council's past support and urged cooperation. The budget will be discussed in upcoming workshops.
• Parking Ordinance Introduction: Councilwoman Sousa introduced an ordinance to place a 60-minute parking limit on Warren Avenue (south side, from 65 feet west of South Hull Street westerly 60 feet) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. She said it was a compromise with business owners and residents. The ordinance passed first reading unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Licenses Bundle (7 items): Approved unanimously.
• Bourne Avenue One-Way Street Ordinance (second passage): Approved unanimously. The ordinance makes Bourne Avenue westbound from Brenton Avenue to Frederick Street one-way during school hours (8-9 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m.) for safety.
• Stop Sign Ordinance (second passage): Approved unanimously. Places a stop sign at Rhodes Avenue northbound and southbound at Burnside Avenue.
• SOAMS Feasibility Study: Accepted unanimously. Council directed the solicitor and Jim Moran to draft a formal resolution supporting federal designation for the next meeting.
• Resolution with Ocean Inc. (cybersecurity improvements): Approved unanimously. Authorizes the mayor to contract for a fiber backbone ($268,450 grant) and hardware ($70,670) to improve network security and redundancy.
• Resolution with Starnet Solutions Inc. (cybersecurity): Approved unanimously. Authorizes $197,092 in grant funding for cybersecurity support.
• Resolution with M.E. O'Brien and Sons (park improvements): Approved unanimously. Funds improvements to Glenn Lyon Park and Lyle Bourne Park, including adaptive playground equipment.
• Parking Ordinance (first passage): Approved unanimously. Introduces 60-minute parking on Warren Avenue as described.
• Adjournment: Motion carried to adjourn.