Woonsocket council approves ordinances, tables police detail MOA; tax-sale contractor selected

The Woonsocket City Council on Monday approved several ordinances and resolutions, including updates to staffing and salary ordinances, a city easement for Narragansett Electric and amendments to on‑street parking penalties. The council also tabled a memorandum of agreement on police private‑detail rates and, after debate and an amendment, awarded tax‑sale services to Rhode Island Tax Titles LLC.

The council voted on a wide range of measures in a meeting that combined routine items with several contested decisions. Councilmembers unanimously approved multiple personnel and salary ordinances (25 O 31, 25 O 32, 25 O 33, 25 O 34) and an easement for Narragansett Electric (25 O 25). The council also approved a three‑year lease extension with AgentWell Inc. for property at 84 Social Street (25 O 39) and gave first passage to an ordinance revising penalties for on‑street parking and prohibiting overnight parking in municipal lots (25 O 40).

During the meeting the council voted to table resolution 25 R 80, authorizing the mayor and police chief to execute a memorandum of agreement regarding police private‑detail rates with the New England Police Benevolence Association, Inc., local 808, saying additional work was needed on that resolution. The council debated a procurement for tax‑sale services (25 R 79); several members raised concerns about the appearance of a conflict because the city solicitor’s firm had submitted a bid. Councilman Kenoyer moved and the council then amended the resolution to award the contract to Rhode Island Tax Titles LLC; the amended measure passed 7–0.

Other approvals included: an application to hold a firefighter "fill the boot" tag day (25 L C 24) approved 6–1; a consolidated licenses renewal package (25 L C 25) approved 6–0 with Councilwoman Gonzales recused; an ordinance authorizing a pole relocation petition for Narragansett Electric on Pond Street and Mechanic Avenue (25 O 36); and a transfer from contingency to the finance department to cover audit fees (25 O 42).

Votes at a glance (selected items): - 25 L C 23 (public hearing, application for Class B/B liquor license, Andino's Bar, 350 River Street): public hearing closed and the application tabled (motion to table carried 7–0). - 25 L C 24 (Woonsocket Firefighters Association tag day): Approved 6–1 (chair recorded as voting no). - 25 L C 25 (licenses/renewals): Approved 6–0; Councilwoman Gonzales recused. - 25 R 80 (police private‑detail MOA with NEPBA): Tabled on motion, pending more work. - 25 R 79 (contract for tax‑sale services): Amended on the floor to award to Rhode Island Tax Titles LLC; approved 7–0 after amendment. - 25 O 25 (easement to Narragansett Electric on Smithville Road): Approved 7–0 (first passage). - 25 O 31, 25 O 32, 25 O 33, 25 O 34 (personnel/salaries/codified staffing): Approved (votes recorded as 7–0 where roll calls were given). - 25 O 40 (revise penalties for on‑street parking; prohibit overnight parking in municipal lots): Approved on first passage 7–0. - 25 O 41 (amend city code to regulate roadside memorials): Approved on first passage 7–0. - 25 O 42 (transfer from contingency to finance for audit fees): Approved 7–0; council discussion noted the budget projection did not anticipate spending contingency and the transaction may require future backfill. - 25 R 81 (resolution creating a memorial garden program): Approved 7–0. - 25 R 82 (permission to use city property for an annual event): Approved 6–0; Councilwoman Fox recused. - 25 R 83 (application for HUD technical assistance): Approved 7–0.

Many items were routine and passed by unanimous roll call. When votes were not unanimous the transcript records the tallies above. Several ordinances were recorded as first or second passage as required by city code.

The council adjourned at 8:51 p.m.