[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6539435,"mediaKeyId","3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407","parentId",3645130,"title","Council refers Community Choice Aggregation presentation to finance committee for deeper review","audioSeconds",889,"startMs",2721000,"endMs",3610000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407&start=2721&end=3610","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407/thumbnail_2721000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6539435/Rhode-Island/Council-refers-Community-Choice-Aggregation-presentation-to-finance-committee-for-deeper-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539435-bb1e720a7e6bfbaddc80c2b1993341b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120242&Signature=cybZtdgvcZZP4G5UB6bCpwF9Rs9jVLzTN-qxxOxfSj~dZuc3Krd5UIbQwELuIqDQS8RyFKzsjQVodAPbi3EJmGajfD4gGtdFfFp6L21FyDXPzcuVrlyWWz5ogDibPt2dndP8kKBJQUkzFaMKBAFCPGdlxW41~7rgKy~esG-~F0EG9hf1Lt9uiEwUOptYIynA62q6c9Cj8TcDao4BPKpCkKoC2X5H8~t7Ta6W1MnVfe4liZPIc516~WYsbV9j23abNeGtZJhqXXbfO6lJ58rLqwDB8xzKSu7wdao4SCz3fIo61zB19bgx5DZkTlueysll3WUt~VDvuxjTNVJjPcoHaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Providence Town Meetings","date","2025-06-04T00:44:02.39Z","article","A representative of Freedom Energy Logistics, Bart Frometh, outlined Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) to the North Providence Town Council on June 3 and the council voted to refer the matter to its finance committee for a deeper review of potential savings, contract structure and consumer protections.

Frometh described CCA as a municipal purchasing group that replaces the energy-supply portion of a customer’s electricity bill while leaving delivery charges with the utility. He said aggregations elsewhere in New England have delivered budget certainty and, in some cases, savings; he described typical long-term program savings in the range of roughly 10%–15% over a contract, while cautioning past market volatility produced larger but atypical savings in recent years. Frometh said his firm affiliates with Colonial Power Group to act as aggregator and that about a dozen Rhode Island communities had heard his presentation to date.

Council members asked about expected savings, opt-out procedures and whether North Providence could combine with other municipalities. Frometh said CCA programs typically enroll customers on an opt‑out basis (residents receive notice and must opt out to avoid enrollment) and emphasized that scale improves negotiating leverage.

The council voted to send the matter to the finance committee for a detailed presentation and follow-up. Councilman Bacala moved the referral and Councilman Martone seconded.

What the council asked be studied

- Projected savings range and how Colonial Power Group/Freedom Energy Logistics has performed in similar markets.

- Consumer-protection measures, including opt-out notices and the process to return customers to utility service.

- Contract length, renewable energy options (25% vs. 50% renewable blends were mentioned as possible choices), and how a North Providence program would be structured.

The finance committee will schedule a detailed session to examine contract options, likely vendors and expected effects on residential and small-business electricity bills before the council considers any formal action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","North Providence Town Council Meeting 6/3/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Freedom Energy Logistics outlined Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) as a municipal electricity-buying option; the council voted to send the presentation to the finance committee for a detailed follow-up.","taxTitle","North Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",79576,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6539440,"Sol de Portugal granted Class BV liquor license; entertainment request denied until renewal",517,1838000,2355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407&start=1838&end=2355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407/thumbnail_1838000.jpg","/articles/6539440/Rhode-Island/Sol-de-Portugal-granted-Class-BV-liquor-license-entertainment-request-denied-until-renewal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539440-8963b7e9cb944c3eb2b280431e7eb59f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120242&Signature=MYCqxqCSuTZsVOOQT0i3XagysaWJOGF6lXEtlNaVTp0HnDjIezfk3qenHstw95D5vCalQVZekBMMNf4A3RxEyrsHoL6ZdIA4Y6h4ybMgCKRXYcSxZljKpC4lkCGlei8ND8ZCUAUzR~bXyX0vBRQQ2ita8VmILi5~yIaGWdqx0U73v52zx2LNdHoH32D3XZpLqdNdiYJ7TY-QDDb-NtQ-iIYO5xmTWdL3SCEF2GWdHjuw5W45MxOdxHSPI4iCOw6xOrv2OsR2movGd-~IMQ1GGmO9LTbUYOe0iVbR5uDYEF2Z5W-5BeouxcDfypQRn-HWUuBszK9hY6pjkLun2byRXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Providence Town Council approved a Class BV limited liquor license and an outdoor-dining permit for Sol de Portugal, 1525 Smith Street, at its June 3 meeting but denied the applicant’s request for an entertainment license until the council reviews the operation at its renewal.

Attorney Jeff Caffrey represented the applicant and said the operators plan to run the business primarily as a restaurant with background music; he added the operators have hired experienced bartenders and plan to keep the restaurant’s capacity unchanged. Council members raised questions about operator experience with liquor service and the location’s history as a crowded plaza with prior neighbor complaints.

Councilman DiLorenzo moved to approve the Class BV liquor license; Councilman Famagetti seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote. Some council members said a probationary license could be considered until December to allow the council to assess operations; others noted the business has already made significant investments and that the council can address problems at renewal. The council did not place explicit probationary conditions on the initial issuance but flagged renewal-season review.

On entertainment, council members said background music during dinner is acceptable but voiced concern about DJ or live acts in a plaza that has caused neighbor complaints in the past. The council voted to deny the requested entertainment license now and to revisit the request at the December renewal process; background recorded music or radio was permitted for dining.

An outdoor-dining license was approved by the council without further restriction.

Actions

- Class BV limited liquor license approved (motion by Councilman DiLorenzo; second by Councilman Famagetti; ayes have it).

- Entertainment license denied at this time; council will revisit the request when the license comes up for renewal in December (motion by Councilman Martin; second by Councilman DiLorenzo; ayes have it).

- Outdoor-dining license approved (motion by Councilman DiLorenzo; second by Councilman Martone; ayes have it).

Council members indicated they would monitor operations and revisit restrictions at the normal renewal process if complaints arise.","The town council approved a Class BV liquor license and an outdoor-dining permit for Sol de Portugal at 1525 Smith Street but denied the requested entertainment license for now and said it will review entertainment at the establishment’s December renewal.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6539447,"Residents press council for status update on Fruit Hill stormwater grants",647,1330000,1977000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407&start=1330&end=1977","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407/thumbnail_1330000.jpg","/articles/6539447/Rhode-Island/Residents-press-council-for-status-update-on-Fruit-Hill-stormwater-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539447-93ff18eece911d0ca0376b60291b8227/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120242&Signature=GjE~AZrDeyGxVZMdd4mnjWGBJXrmg~Ky90T-qwdZN4Ix~HN9p85aVwXvwmgfl8xXcdgO-qmd1Gcsr1ErKnNDOQe7STtJlPjSRjo~AvZYP~ko8mPerUMCfF~haRO66vlZu8XmTLhubf0w4zycmRSaj7unHBWtF6DQTGpCG9kTjhKMIPSUqpHPD64nNlinKHCYSjHdw2CfhgKb~16duTYlsx6Fiq7K-9zKirNXIYDZMkvgaLCe2oxdq4XSJSJj~xsLK0GRvRAmz8AWFZG4pSHunoOtLNseSgWBMEk0xhQpwZwUnQo7KqvOoO~YT2OohQq90iCxSfTiKyDxBO4-4TD77g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","North Providence residents and a council member asked the council on June 3 to press the administration for a status update on two grants awarded for the Fruit Hill neighborhood, citing long-running flooding and safety concerns.

Councilman LaPorteo said the town received two grants: an $80,500 award from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for plans and designs, and a $639,000 grant for stormwater and drainage work. Residents in the Foothill (Fruit Hill) area — especially the end of Waseota Street (transcript spellings included “Waseota” and “Wasioto”) — reported recurring brown/orange water flowing across the roadway year-round and major icing in winter that creates hazardous conditions.

Resident Jim Curtis described repeated flooding at the dead end of Waseota/Wasioto Avenue and said the flow causes sheet ice in winter and has persisted for “maybe three years.” He said the volume of water suggests an underground source or failed pipe and asked why Public Works or an engineering firm has not advanced long-term repairs.

Council members said the issue cannot move forward without design plans. LaPorteo asked whether an engineer has been engaged and when plans would be completed; he moved that the council send a letter to the administration requesting a clear explanation of what stage the project is at with design and implementation. The motion — to request an administration update and confirm the design/engineering status for the Fruit Hill grants — passed unanimously.

Background and next steps

- Grants discussed: $80,500 for planning and design (Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank) and $639,000 for stormwater/drainage (award dated to early 2024; Councilman referenced contacts from Senator Reed’s office).

- Area affected: Foothill/Fruit Hill section, specifically Waseota/Wasioto Street (residents gave variant spellings in the transcript). Council asked DPW and the administration whether an engineer had been engaged and whether plans exist; they directed staff to provide a formal update back to the council.

- The council also noted other nearby safety issues (a problematic overhanging tree) and asked for those matters to be addressed along with the drainage work.

The motion will generate correspondence from the council to the administration asking for an explanation of the design stage and timetable. Council members said residents need concrete timelines and engineering plans before Public Works can move to construction.","Councilman LaPorteo and residents urged the council to seek an update from the administration and engineering on two awarded Fruit Hill grants — $80,500 for plans and designs and $639,000 for stormwater/drainage work — after persistent localized flooding and orange-colored runoff were reported on Waseota/Wasioto Street.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6539450,"Council continues two liquor-license hearings amid disputed police-detail payments",266,977000,1243000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407&start=977&end=1243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407/thumbnail_977000.jpg","/articles/6539450/Rhode-Island/Council-continues-two-liquor-license-hearings-amid-disputed-police-detail-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539450-39d348d2ecddd1e0ae4123f3205bb9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120242&Signature=YmjV93rKvImcP3uZeiK3Xzf2bd5M39tsYK0E5b~f6Vfm74rY6Uqi3Rru3pCvzR-2JdLDuTwE1tCQzoYIP8Z15KCF44J3Ss9MjNHB2AKSHUb5z4Kp6LRJfkHDeNCvrlcsOK01J1StFnM2032StjkEcNPOukZVK9-fxGBwKyDP6vYYvswC1K0b7eWqJ2zOiBA7KcZ~EyZ-m5jZEKj9nsG5Ga18pf1821MHwZrMO7JRv8BTTusK~mgvCteA4ylRfjTQjGRQRAYh1U3-82SBEUdiXzbgu7oFIVwMoYVuiWr3xQ3kHeBygOLICBtHalKcsSwxuAcPeby28MHesjpk6VRcFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Providence Town Council on June 3 continued two separate hearings over unpaid police-detail fees for liquor-licensed establishments — 7 8 7 Restaurant and Lounge and Elite Lounge and Bistro — and set conditions operators must meet before the August meeting.

The council record shows the summonses were issued because the operators had failed to make payments the town said were required under their licenses for police details. At the June meeting a town police lieutenant and representatives for both establishments spoke to the council.

For 7 8 7 Restaurant and Lounge, the council continued the matter to its August meeting and allowed the establishment to remain open provided the operator delivers proof of payment to the town clerk by the next day. Councilman Martone, who made the motion, said a conditional suspension would be enacted if proof was not provided: “If you're lying, I would ask that our Clerk, issue a cease and desist, to prevent operations until our August meeting,” he said. Lieutenant Kevin Gindon told the council his records show payment activity inconsistent with what the operator reported.

The council recorded a balance of $61,252 for the account during the discussion; an operator at the hearing said she had been making $2,500 monthly payments to the police department but the police records showed only one such payment and estimated recurring detail costs at about $2,000 per month.

For Elite Lounge and Bistro, council members also continued the hearing to August on the condition that the operator make two payments before that meeting and meet with the police department to agree on a payment plan. In discussion council members suggested a payment schedule (two suggested payments of $500, in July and August, were discussed) and urged the operator to contact police immediately to resolve accounting and communication gaps. The council stated it generally prefers to work with businesses when operators show good-faith efforts to resolve outstanding balances.

Actions and next steps

- 7 8 7 Restaurant and Lounge: Continued to the August meeting; operator must present proof of payment to the town clerk by the next day or face a conditional cease-and-desist before August (motion carried).

- Elite Lounge and Bistro: Continued to the August meeting with condition to make payments in July and August and to meet with police to establish an agreed payment plan (motion carried).

The town clerk was asked to confirm receipt and routing of payments, and the police department agreed to research where payments were posted in municipal accounting records. Council members said the matter will return in August for review of proof of payments and any additional action.

Speakers quoted in this article are those who appeared on the record at the June 3 meeting; the clerk and police department are expected to reconcile accounting records as follow-up.","The North Providence Town Council continued hearings for 7 8 7 Restaurant and Elite Lounge to August, imposing conditions requiring operators to produce payment proof and negotiate plans with police.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":104,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":107,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6539456,"Votes at a glance: North Providence council approves licenses, refers energy study, and continues two liquor hearings",273,1250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3645130-e16ab5c11c015258353ef05977a5d407&start=977&end=1250","/articles/6539456/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-North-Providence-council-approves-licenses-refers-energy-study-and-continues-two-liquor-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539456-12a8800555cea1586154acd5b030ab1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120242&Signature=hWpl8Jwx0bXG~LL1tKu-E0yWCSwdklzfMyKfy-QeSkvrJ~QgkZuQRgWztW8rjpU29EKjTlwjQBg1IVQlOt8i-n1TReQ8B17k3xpiKiiYv6meYoY3H92u8khQlYNF2SeMFO2TDvjjf4SvO2JuvtazaMPRIP7KOG9gK8KYct0wCdyVdtPSuXgRX-sKCgTV6CucO~AgPUFwAUsaXBPgLnzLjagpWJzgUndnb9Sn32gK6l7-BYvG7OVReGN6JY77NxhnV0UnCOsgO45r7m6D70zR82UhqKv-lL7Mjzxm9R1jdeFXYUnAfex50kXQhvnliJsjDYP95uZw597Gz9Ez138rng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Providence Town Council on June 3 voted on a series of routine and substantive items: several retail and liquor licenses were approved, two hearings over unpaid police-detail fees for liquor establishments were continued to the August meeting with conditions, the council referred a Community Choice Aggregation presentation to the finance committee for further review, and it passed Resolution 25‑002 on Vision Zero safe roadways.

Council votes and formal actions at the meeting included approvals of liquor and vendor licenses, motions to continue enforcement hearings, and committee referrals. Several items were decided without roll-call tallies; minutes record unanimous \"ayes\" on those motions unless otherwise noted.

Key outcomes

- 787 Restaurant and Lounge (1270 Mineral Spring Ave.): Hearing continued to the August meeting; establishment may remain open if it provides proof of payment to the clerk by the next day, otherwise the clerk was authorized to issue a cease-and-desist (motion by Councilman Martone; second by Councilman Laporteo; ayes have it).

- Elite Lounge and Bistro (1759 Mineral Spring Ave.): Hearing continued to the August meeting provided the operator makes two payments (suggested $500 in July and $500 in August), meets with police to arrange a payment plan and shows payments at the August meeting (motion and conditions put forward by council; ayes have it).

- Sol de Portugal, 1525 Smith St.: Class BV limited liquor license approved (motion by Councilman DiLorenzo; second by Councilman Famagetti; ayes have it). The council denied the requested entertainment license for now and said it will revisit entertainment on the establishment’s December renewal (motion to deny by Councilman Martin; second by Councilman DiLorenzo; ayes have it). An outdoor-dining permit for Sol de Portugal was approved (motion by Councilman DiLorenzo; second by Councilman Martone; ayes have it).

- Temporary and special-event liquor licenses: Class F‑1 licenses for Behind the Bars Mixology (Camp Meehan, Oct. 3) and At Your Service Bartending (Camp Meehan, June 22) were approved (motions recorded and approved).

- Holiday and peddler/vendor licenses: Holiday sales license for Plato’s Closet (401 Douglas Ave.) and peddler/vendors Phantom Fireworks (1920 Mineral Spring Ave.) and Keystone Fireworks (41 Smithfield Rd. & 1525 Smith St.) were approved.

- Private investigator license: Diego R. Mello (40 Sherwood Ave.) approved (chief signed off; motion carried).

- Community Choice Aggregation (presentation by Freedom Energy Logistics): Council voted to refer the matter to the finance committee for further study and a detailed follow-up presentation (motion by Councilman Bacala; second by Councilman Martone; ayes have it).

- Resolution 25‑002 (Vision Zero / safe roadways): Motion to pass the resolution carried (motion by Councilman LaPocco; second by Councilman Famagetti; ayes have it).

- Ordinance introduction: Council introduced an amendment to the building official fee schedule (ordinance 25‑007 introduced; motion to introduce by Councilman Bacalas; seconded by Councilman Pollock; ayes have it).

- Administrative items: The council accepted a resignation from the North Providence Land Trust (Ken Conte), appointed Katherine Laney to the land trust, accepted the Public Safety Committee report, approved tax abatements under $1,000, and referred tax abatements over $1,000 and a claims item to the appropriate committees.

- Local concerns and referrals: Motions were approved to send correspondence to National Grid about trees/bushes at Louis Quincic golf course (golf balls landing on Clement Street) and to refer that matter to the Public Safety Committee; motions also sent corner-visibility pruning concerns to DPW or inspection as appropriate; a stop-sign request at Barber Inn Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard was moved forward for ordinance consideration.

Meeting procedures and next steps

Several items were continued or referred for additional review rather than decided on substance. The council recorded a number of unanimous voice votes recorded in the minutes as “ayes.” For the two liquor-license enforcement hearings, the council set deadlines and conditions for operators to document payment arrangements with the police department and to present proof to the clerk or face a conditional cessation of operations before the August meeting.

Votes recorded in the meeting minutes did not include detailed roll-call tallies; motions recorded in the transcript show movers and seconders where provided and describe outcomes as \"ayes have it.\"","At its June 3 meeting the North Providence Town Council approved multiple licenses and permits, referred a Community Choice Aggregation presentation to the finance committee, passed a Vision Zero resolution, introduced a building-fee ordinance, and continued two liquor-license enforcement hearings to August with conditions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council refers Community Choice Aggregation presentation to finance committee for deeper review

Sol de Portugal granted Class BV liquor license; entertainment request denied until renewal

Residents press council for status update on Fruit Hill stormwater grants

Council continues two liquor-license hearings amid disputed police-detail payments

Votes at a glance: North Providence council approves licenses, refers energy study, and continues two liquor hearings