Cranston council approves liquor licenses, appointments and service continuations; reports and committees move forward

The Cranston City Council took multiple recorded votes during its Feb. 24 meeting, approving new liquor licenses, reappointments to boards and commissions, and a one‑year continuation of service for a senior fire official. The council also met in executive session on collective bargaining and later returned to public session.

Key votes and formal actions

- Liquor licenses: The council approved three new Class B (full‑service) liquor licenses that were reported out of committee and voted “over the cap” where required: • Blue Room Rhode Island LLC, 2197 Broad St. — approved (roll call: unanimous yes). • JMMH Corp. d/b/a Ginza Asian Bistro, 736 Park Ave. — approved over cap (roll call: unanimous yes). • Ming’s Asian Street Food LLC, 1864 Broad St. — approved over cap (roll call: unanimous yes). Council members discussed proximity to schools and confirmed maps from the assessor’s office had been used to evaluate the 200‑foot school buffer under state law; clerks confirmed letters of good standing were on file for at least one applicant.

- Appointments and reappointments: The council approved several personnel matters by roll call: • Reappointment of Kirk McDonough as Democratic member and chair of the Board of Canvassers for the term 03/03/2025–03/02/2031 — approved (roll call: unanimous yes). • Appointment of Amy Grama Sloan to the Arts Commission (02/24/2025–02/24/2028) — approved (roll call: unanimous yes). • Appointment of Dr. Taino Palermo (Esquire) to the Public Library Board of Trustees to fill an unexpired term through 07/31/2027 — approved (roll call: unanimous yes). • Appointment of Councilwoman Graziano as Council representative to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee — approved (roll call: unanimous yes).

- Continuation of service: The council approved Assistant Chief Richard Mancini’s request for a one‑year continuation of service (requested period described in the agenda) after confirmation that a medical exam/physical was completed — approved (roll call: unanimous yes).

- Executive session: The council voted to enter executive session under the statute cited on the agenda for collective bargaining (labor negotiations involving Teamsters Local 251 and Rhode Island Laborers Union 1322) and later voted to exit and to seal the executive‑session minutes. Council members stated no votes were taken in executive session.

Procedural notes

Roll calls were taken for each item reported above; in the minutes provided at the meeting each of the votes listed above passed with a unanimous roll‑call “yes” unless otherwise noted. The council asked administration staff to confirm supporting documents for license proximity and certificates of good standing. No ordinances were adopted or charter amendments passed at this meeting.