East Providence council approves $1.98 million in contracts at special July meeting

The East Providence City Council, meeting in special session on Tuesday, July 28, approved roughly $1.98 million in contracts for a stadium renovation, a community center parking lot and four police vehicles. All three resolutions passed by voice vote, and all three drew on money the council said had already been appropriated in earlier budget votes.

Only three of the five members were present. The solicitor's roll call recorded two members absent, which still left a quorum — the minimum number of members required to conduct business legally.

The council president said the special meeting was called specifically because bids were ready and the body did not want to wait until its next regular session. "As the community has been asking us to fast-forward projects and let's get things done," he said, naming park work and the community center as examples. The council typically slows its schedule in July.

Pierce Memorial Stadium: up to $1,588,555

The largest item authorizes the mayor to enter a contract with Rad Corp, doing business as Rad Sport, for improvements to Pierce Memorial Stadium in an amount not to exceed $1,588,555. A council member described it as a continuation of a long-planned project that includes work on the track and other amenities.

No dollar breakdown, construction schedule or completion date was discussed at the table. Staff were present and available for questions, but the council asked none before voting. The resolution passed by voice vote.

Community center parking lot: $88,999.87

The council also authorized the mayor, by and through Bentley Companies LLC, to accept and award a proposal to reclaim and pave the parking lot at the East Providence Community Center for $88,999.87. "Reclaim" refers to grinding up the existing asphalt and reusing it as the base for the new surface, rather than hauling it away.

A council member noted for the record that the community center's funding came from a single vote taken on December 5, 2023, and that this award draws on that earlier appropriation rather than adding new spending. The resolution passed by voice vote.

Four police vehicles: up to $307,423.60

The council approved the purchase of two unmarked police vehicles and two outfitted vehicles, at a total not to exceed $307,423.60. Asked whether the cars would include radar equipment, the police chief told the council that two of them will come with moving radar, which allows an officer to clock speeds while driving.

The council president said the purchase was recommended by the police chief and that the money was already appropriated. The resolution passed by voice vote.

Zoning Board seat filled

The council accepted a resignation letter from a Zoning Board of Review member who had served more than 20 years, and confirmed the mayor's appointment of Craig A. McManis to a term ending June 2, 2030. Zoning Board appointments are made by the mayor but require council approval. The vote was 3-0.

The council also approved a one-day special event license for a birthday party with a DJ at a Merrill Street address on August 1, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

A death noted

Before taking up business, the council paused to mark the death of a longtime resident who had served as a teacher, school administrator, School Committee member, City Council member, Board of Elections member and ambassador to Cape Verde. Members said a more formal tribute is planned for the August 11 meeting. A council member announced a wake from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at a Pawtucket Avenue stadium, with a Tuesday morning mass at 10.

What's next

The council's next regular meeting is August 11 at 6:30 p.m. Members noted from the dais that the date and time had changed from an earlier schedule.