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Council honors local students, parks and DPW; backs full funding for libraries
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Summary
The council issued citations to student winners of a Cranston Public Schools "I Voted" sticker contest, honored Parks & Recreation director Steven Piscopello and DPW crews for blizzard response, and unanimously passed a resolution urging the General Assembly to restore library state aid to the statutory 25%.
The Cranston City Council opened with several citations and proclamations before turning to routine business.
Nick Lima, registrar and director of elections for the Board of Canvassers, described a student "I Voted" sticker design contest run in partnership with Cranston Public Schools; four student finalists were recognized and received citations from both the council and Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins.
The council presented a citation to Steven Piscopello in recognition of his 2026 John Jack Cronin award from the Rhode Island Recreation and Parks Association and praised his work improving local athletic fields and playgrounds.
Members also issued a citation recognizing the Department of Public Works for its response to the 2026 blizzard, noting crews cleared roads to keep emergency routes open; DPW director Frank Carrero and highway superintendent John Corso came forward to accept the recognition.
Separately, the council unanimously approved a resolution asking the General Assembly to fully fund state aid to libraries at the statutory 25%. Director Gartner told the council that the governor's FY27 budget level-funded library aid at about 24.1%, a roughly $9,500 shortfall for Cranston; the director said full funding would add about $23,000 in revenue for the city's library system. Council members voiced support and signed on as cosponsors.
Other routine approvals included the ratification of certain reappointments and the council's advice and consent on the mayor's appointment of Robert Strom for a finance role. The council also approved a request to place Chief Daniel Marcinko on the pension roll and continued Detective Lieutenant Steven Brooks for an additional year of service.
The meeting included typical committee reports and public comments on parks and budget matters; the council later moved into an executive session on legal bills before adjourning.
