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Cranston council ratifies two union contracts, approves public-works appointment and tax measures
Summary
On April 28 the Cranston City Council approved ratification of two collective bargaining agreements, authorized a public-works appointment and passed tax-related measures and budget amendments; several items were approved subject to clerical corrections or contingent on further documentation.
The Cranston City Council on April 28 voted to ratify two collective bargaining agreements, approved several tax-related measures recommended by the Finance Committee and confirmed a mayoral appointment for public works.
The council approved Ordinance 3,251, ratifying the Teamsters Local 251 collective bargaining agreement covering July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. Council President Marino said the solicitor identified clerical (scrivener) errors in job titles and grades that needed correction; the council approved the contract "subject to those scriveners' errors being corrected," per the solicitor. Director remarks at the meeting said the pension and fiscal impacts were resolved and the administration represented that the contract terms were budgeted in the coming fiscal year.
The council then approved Ordinance 3,252 ratifying the contract described in the agenda as the "Liana Local Union 13 22 collective bargaining agreement," covering the same contract dates. The administration said the contract was negotiated and budgeted appropriately.
The Finance Committee’s recommendations carried other measures on the floor: a real estate tax abatement resolution recommended by the tax assessor, and approvals of tax-interest waiver requests for March 2025 as presented by the city treasurer. The council also approved a budget amendment (ordinance 042501) to amend the 2024–2025 municipal budget for the director of public works salary.
The council advised consent to Mayor Hopkins’ appointment of Frank Correo as Director of Public Works; Director Fabricio (administration) spoke in favor of the appointment, citing the nominee’s experience. Several reappointments and appointments to boards were also confirmed, including the appointment of Anthony Mastantuono to the Board of Canvassers (unexpired term ending March 5, 2029) and reappointments to the Affordable Housing Commission. Most roll-call votes on these measures were recorded in the affirmative.
One licensing matter from the Safety Services and Licensing Committee—the license for Merlino Pizzeria—was continued to the next council meeting pending receipt of a letter of good standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation; the council recorded a motion to continue and directed the applicant to provide the document to the clerk when received.
Ending: Council members said they would continue oversight to ensure corrected contract language is filed and that required letters and fiscal notes are on file before final administrative steps.
