Kudos, Soccer, Truck Traffic: East Providence City Council

Kudos to Coutu:

Councilman William J. Conley Jr. singled out public works director Steve Coutu for the long hours he worked during the Jan. 12 snowstorm. Conley said he ran into Coutu out in the storm, checking to make sure that dead end roads were plowed. Coutu then was able to make it to an open government meeting early the next morning. Mayor Bruce Rogers also credited more than 30 employees who came in to City Hall to work, despite the storm. He also singled out Assistant Mayor Thomas Rose for going out and shoveling all over the city. "He didn't do my driveway!" one spectator joked. 

Truck traffic on Roger Williams Avenue:

East Providence Police Chief Joseph Tavares said there has been a reduction in truck traffic there. Residents have complained about trucks traveling to and from TLA/Pond View, a recycling company. Tavares said from Dec. 29 to Jan. 12, police stopped 15 oversize trucks—and none of them were headed for Pond View. He said the company has been working with the police department to enforce that their truck drivers not use the road.  

Soccer Task Force Resurrected:

Councilwoman Katie Kleyla said she had spoken to several people about reorganizing a soccer task force that the previous council had started. Paul Moura also spoke in in favor of the task force and said he thinks the city could use a soccer complex, given the popularity of youth soccer. It could also serve as an economic development initiative for the city, he said. 

City Hall To Go Paperless?

Kleyla also announced a meeting at City Hall Jan. 31 when the city's director of information technology, Lori-Ann Fox, will make a presentation about how to streamline operations and use less paper at City Hall. 

City Reaffirms Support for Pomham Lighthouse 

The council voted to reaffirm a resolution passed by the prior council Sept. 21 to exempt Pomham Lighthouse from real estate taxes. The property was owned by Exxon-Mobil, but the title was transferred to Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, a non-profit that has raised money for the restoration of the lighthouse, on Dec. 31. Exxon-Mobil paid about $5,300 per year in real estate taxes on the property. The group needs state legislative approval to be exempt from the taxes.

More Public Comment?

Conley asked if the council would amend the rules so people could sign up for public comment when they come in to a meeting. As thing stand, they have to sign up 72 hours in advance, before the agenda comes out. Rogers and Kleyla agreed that it could and should be done, but thought there should be specific guidelines.