EAST PROVIDENCE — In what has become a quarterly exercise over the last year, the East Providence City Council held an extended conversation about the status of water bills and rates at its Tuesday night, Nov. 17, meeting.

Sparked as in the past by Ward 2 member Helder Cunha in reaction to the largess of bills residents received earlier in the month, the discussion once again touched on percentage and fixed rate charges, the repayment of bonds issued to upgrade the city’s decades-old system, so-called deduct meters and the implementation of a monthly billing cycle among other topics.

Public Works Director Steve Coutu reiterated to the Council the rates over the last year have remained unchanged, however the November bill reflects usage during summer months when residents water their lawns often, fill swimming pools and wash cars more frequently than at other times during the year.

Mr. Cunha, once again, asked Finance Director Malcolm Moore if the administration should seek to procure a new bond to pay off the remaining balance of approximately $52 million of the $60 million in monies currently being used to upgrade numerous infrastructural aspects of the system. Mr. Cunha noted the city’s much-improved  bond rating as a reason to seek the new money at a more preferable interest rate.

However, Mr. Moore, as he has during previous discussions on the subject, said as he understands the details of the borrowing, which was done through a state collaborative, the city would not gain any real fiscal relief and that rates paid by residents would basically remain the same.

The most notable point to come from Tuesday’s talk was that by new City Manager Richard Kirby, who seemed reluctant to fully embrace the change from a quarterly to a monthly billing cycle. Though noting some of the inherent benefits, he termed the change a “convenience” rather than a necessity.

Mr. Kirby said the change in cycles will cost $58,000 annually in postage payments alone and that it’s likely an additional clerk will need to be hired to handle the work load possibly bumping the total cost of the switch into six figures each year.

“I have reservations to be honest with you,” Mr. Kirby told the Council in regard to the cycle swap. “I think it would be irresponsible of me not to look into it more closely.”

The manager said he planned to gather Mr. Coutu and Water Superintendent Jim Marvel to vet the matter more thoroughly.

For his part, Mr. Coutu said Public Works will continue to prepare for the change, the implementation of which he added is slated to take place in March of 2016. He said his department would use the first few months of next year to get familiar with and test the new software being purchased. The system is not to be used just for the cycle change but also for more efficient records keeping in general.

It should be noted the city’s water department is run on what is called a revolving fund where all monies derived from charges are used to maintain the system, pay the Narragansett Bay Commission for the water East Providence residents use and repay bonds. In 2014, the previous incarnation of the Council approved two separate bonds worth about $60 million combined to procure the monies necessary to replace or install new pipes throughout the city and rebuild the storage tank in Kent Heights among other improvements.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — All signs from a lengthy discussion on the topic at its November 17 meeting pointed to the East Providence City Council contemplating an appeal of a Zoning Board decision on the fate of the planned expansion of the Cumberland Farms convenience store located at the corner of Pawtucket Avenue and Wampanoag Trail.

No vote was taken in the open meeting last week, nor was one reported out of the night’s executive session. However, the tenor of the discussion was indicative of the Council seriously considering an appeal of the Board’s edict, which came during a Wednesday night, Nov. 4.

Reached for further comment after the Council meeting City Solicitor Tim Chapman would neither confirm nor deny an appeal was in the works.

During the meeting, Mr. Chapman told the Council the applicant (Cumberland Farms) or the city could file an appeal to State Superior Court anytime within 20 days of the Zoning Board’s decision being filed with the City Clerk’s office. The Board’s decision from the November 4 meeting was officially stamped and posted on Monday, Nov. 16.

The Board actually voted, 3-2, to affirm the Cumberland Farms proposal with Chairman Gene Saveory, Mike Beauparlant and Pia Toledo casting their support while John Braga and first alternate Richard Croke were in dissent. Full-time Board member Tony Cunha recused himself from the proceedings because his wife works for Cumberland Farms. Mr. Saveory explained per ordinance and state law, a minimum of a 4-1 vote is needed to move usage, dimensional or special use variances akin to what was being requested in the proposal.

At last week’s meeting, Council President and Mayor Tommy Rose reiterated his body’s backing of the proposal. In April of this year the Council voted, 3-0, in favor of the project and it was also recommended for approval by the Planning Department. Councilors Helder Cunha and Tim Conley recused themselves from the vote. Mr. Cunha is the nephew of the Zoning Board member of the same name. Mr. Conley’s nephew, Dylan Conley, is part of the legal counsel for Cumberland Farms.

“This Council was in full support,” Mr. Rose said, referring to the April vote.

At-Large Councilor Tracy Capobianco added the project “could have been a catalyst” to further redevelopment on Wampanoag Trail and Pawtucket Avenue.

Tuesday’s discussion included the public backing of the Cumberland Farms expansion by the recently-formed Kent Heights Neighborhood Association led by former city politician and realtor Joe Botelho.

Mr. Botelho said his group alone has garnered the signatures of 140 residents in support of the proposal, adding that combined with petitions issued by other groups in the city some 600 locals want to see the plan move forward.

Without naming anyone on the Zoning Board specifically, Mr. Botelho alluded to possible conflicts of interest of the two members who voted against the proposal. In attempting to determine of whom he may have been speaking, The Post learned Mr. Braga is the manager for a city-based Dunkin’ Donuts franchise on Warren Avenue.

The project, Mr. Botelho continued, “should not die on the vine due to incompetence or vested interest if that be the case.”

He added, “I can’t understand how a project could be stopped in the final stages” and that “I fear we’ll end up with another business that sells ‘Easy-Widers’ and Keno tickets” or a piece of property that is “left derelict” like the old Wampanoag Diner land or former medical office directly across the street at the corner of the Trail.

On a separate, but related topic discussed Tuesday, City Manager Richard Kirby informed the Council he, Mr. Chapman as well as members of the Planning Department and the Zoning office continue to review the city’s ordinance book with the goal of modernizing the verbiage and streamlining the process.

The review was requested by Mr. Rose, who said “some of the zoning ordinances are archaic” and deter economic development in East Providence.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Fire Department crews responded to a small fire at a car wash at the busy intersection of Newport and Ferris Avenues in the Rumford section of the city mid-afternoon Thursday, Nov. 19.

EPFD personnel quickly doused the blaze, which began at approximately 1 p.m. and appeared to take place inside the structure of “Suds Plus” car wash, which sits on the same parcel as a gas station and across from the Santandar Bank branch on Newport Avenue.

An East Providence Police detail cordoned off the area to traffic at the intersection, forcing the flow into the surrounding neighborhood.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Family, friends and officials gathered Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 18, for the formal unveiling of a sign dedicating the refurbished playground on the grounds of the Silver Spring Elementary School in the memory of the late Maria Pinheiro as well as to acknowledge completion of the project.

Initiated by At-Large Councilor Tracy Capobianco upon her first being elected late in 2012, the reveal brought the plan to a close. In the spring of this year, the Council approved a $142,856 bid from Beausoleil Brothers Inc. of Cranston to renovate the dilapidated Silver Spring basketball courts, swing area and baseball field fencing. The city had access to $150,000 for the project after receiving a $75,000 Recreation and Open Space grant from the State Department of Environmental Management, which required an equal match from East Providence.

“It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait,” Mrs. Capobianco said Wednesday. “Today we celebrate the official ribbon-cutting and dedication of the Silver Spring Playground. It has been just about three years to bring this project from ‘a wish’ to completion. I would like to take the time to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to fruition. From the current City Council, past City Council, the planning department, the engineering department, DEM, the PTA and former Mayor Bruce Rogers, who is responsible for informing me about the DEM grant when I was first elected and for taking the time to explain the process to me. I know families will enjoy this area for many years.”

In July, the Council approved a resolution naming the playground for Mrs. Pinheiro, a former School Committee member. Mrs. Pinheiro served on the Committee from 1992-1996, chairing the board during her final two years. In addition, she was active in the community, serving on the board of the Brightridge Club as well as being an active member at St. Martha’s Church. She also helped create academic scholarships for Portuguese and Luso-American students of the East Providence community and her family established a scholarship in her memory for students at East Providence High School. In September, the Council issued a proclamation to the family designating the playground’s new name.

Of her mother gaining this honor, Paula Francis said at the time, “She loved this city and she loved the children of this city. She wanted to do all she could to make their lives better. On behalf of my family I would like to say we’re extremely grateful she is being remembered in this way.”

— Photos by Tim Marshall

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PROVIDENCE — Undermanned but not undeterred, the East Providence High School football team eventually succumbed to host LaSalle, 35-20, in the semifinals of the Division I playoffs Friday night, Nov. 20.

The Townies led 20-14 at halftime, but an early third quarter punt return by the Rams’ CJ Waite put LaSalle back on top for keeps. E.P. committed too many costly mistakes the rest of the way, which allowed the Rams to add on to their lead in the fourth

quarter on a touchdown pass from East Providence resident and LaSalle quarterback Jace Pena to wide out James Piccerelli.

“They basically wore us down,” said EPHS head coach Jay Monteiro. “They out-manned us and that’s a big advantage schools like LaSalle or Hendricken have over us or a team with a lot of kids. We made mistakes and a lot those were because my kids were tired. They’re playing both sides of the ball. We got tired and banged up.

“But my guys played really, really hard. I’m proud of their effort. It was a tough one. I thought we had a good game plan. I thought we had them. We had a chance, but I’m proud of our guys. They brought it.”

The loss ended the Townies’ league season with a 5-4 record. The Rams, who improved to 8-1, advance to the D-I Super Bowl Saturday, Dec. 5, against top-seeded and unbeaten Hendricken (9-0), 41-7 winners over South Kingstown in Friday’s other semi.

“East Providence came out and played really tough. They came out and punched us in the mouth early,” said LaSalle head coach Geoff Marcone. “But I have to give our defense credit. The

defense stiffened up in the second half and stopped them from scoring the rest of the way.”

East Providence, the decided underdogs having lost to the rival Rams in their meeting earlier this fall, 41-14, and missing eight starters, played with zeal from the opening kickoff. The Townies held LaSalle to a three-and-out on the first series of the game, then struck quickly for the night’s initial score.

Junior quarterback Ryan Ellinwood hit Paulo Pereira with a flare pass on the edge, the senior back taking it 57 yards to touch just over two minutes into the contest. Tommy Lopes’ point-after kick made it 7-0 E.P.

The Rams again struggled to find their offensive rhythm, turning the ball over on downs when a Pena pass on fourth-and-short fell

incomplete just inside E.P. territory. The Townies, however, failed to capitalize on their ensuing possession, but fumbled the ball back over to LaSalle in short order.

This time, the Rams were ready, matriculating the ball down the field on the ground courtesy of both Waite and fullback Kyron Lopes. The latter finally capped the drive with a bull rush from two yards out. Evan Nasseney’s PAT leveled the score at seven with 3:55 to go in the first quarter.

Using the element of surprise, LaSalle went on-side for the ensuing kickoff, recovering at E.P. 49 but did not score. The sides then exchanged turnovers, the Townies’ Ellinwood throwing a pick and LaSalle coughing it up. Dylan Bochichio recovered for the locals. E.P.’s next drive, though, stalled, giving it back to LaSalle.

The Rams then went with the single-wing “Wildcat” offense, Lopes serving as the lone back. Two plays later, he was in the end zone after breaking free for a 35-yard score. Nasseney’s second PAT made it 14-7 LaSalle just 90 seconds into the second period.

From there, the Townies would score two touchdowns to take the six-point lead at intermission. Wide out CJ Hazzard set up the first score by making a leaping catch of an Ellinwood pass on the sideline. The E.P. QB later snuck in from the one for the TD. Lopes’ point-after made it 14-all midway through the quarter.

The Townies’ defense stiffened on the Rams’ ensuing series, again turning the hosts over on downs. A few plays later, Ellinwood lofted a pass down the seam to an open and streaking Chase, who caught the ball in stride to finish off a 51-yard TD completion. Lopes, by this juncture dealing with an injury, mishit the kick for point, leaving the locals up 20-14 with just under three minutes to go before the break.

LaSalle made things interesting late in the half, attempting a “hook-and-lateral” pass play to Waite, who scurried about the E.P. defense until he was caught around the 10-yard line as time expired.

A few minutes later, however, Waite’s shiftiness proved fruitful. E.P. was forced to punt to end its first series of the third quarter. Waite received the kick at his own 12, patiently worked his way through the initial coverage, then zig-zagged his way down the field and into the end zone to tie the game for a moment. Nassesey’s third PAT proved the winning point.

The Townies never really recovered. A second Ellinwood interception ended one drive. Two others were mired by poor exchanges between the center and punter on snaps. Part of E.P.’s inability to properly execute could have been chalked up to the injury to Lopes, the Townies’ regular punter and starting running

back who was injured in the first quarter and was unable to contribute most of the rest of the night.

One of those miscues in the kicking game preceded another Waite touchdown run, this one of just three yards. LaSalle finally iced the win in the fourth when Pena connected with Piccerelli with just over three minutes remaining in the game.

Friday’s game was a precursor to the annual Thanksgiving Day game between the Townies and Rams at Pierce Stadium. The contest, since the change in the playoff format last year, is a non-league outing. Kickoff is 10 a.m. on November 26.

To view a photo gallery by Rich Dionne, click link below.

East Providence vs LaSalle Football

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To the editor:

The attached letter was sent to the DOT director, asking for a response why he hasn’t properly responded to a previous letter and why a email to request a meeting was overlooked. It appears this is Standard operating procedure to ignore the public by the DOT!

“Peter Alviti Jr, Director, RI DOT; Re: ADA Cutouts Sidewalks in East Providence, RI

“Sir, I am in receipt of your communication of November 16, 2015 and I continued to be frustrated that your letter doesn’t respond to my original request. Your letter is advising of future repairs which is no what I am trying to address, there needs to be immediate action now! I explained the present danger of the sidewalks with 6inches curbs, that require me to jump off and up again, this as caused damage to my mobility device.

“Further frustrating is the delay and the lack of response to your office to address this letter, a meeting had been requested by GCD, Chris DeGrave on Nov 3rd and nobody in your office was aware of it. This shows the incompetence of your office personnel that can not perform there jobs correctly. This is why DOT is in the hot seat of a poorly run state originations.

“Being a disabled citizen I am fighting for my right to travel on the sidewalks of this state without having these dangerous obstacles in the way.

“Since my letter did not draw the response it was intended too, I am looking forward to meet you and discuss this matter. I have been chasing this issue for over a year, so I would request an intimidate meeting date. I am sure that this issue has been made public as I forward a recent article from the EP Post, and that the State Representatives have written you and you have not responded to them either, What is the major malfunction here Sir?”

David Silvia
East Providence

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EAST PROVIDENCE — If you’re inclined to add a touch of “Townie Pride” to your Christmas cheer this holiday season, you’re in luck as the Career and Tech Center offers an East Providence-themed ornament for sale starting at the Thanksgiving Day football game between the high school and rival LaSalle at Pierce Stadium, November 26.

The ornament is part of a fundraising effort by the CTC for its annual participation in the SkillsUSA competition, a series of events held both locally and nationally where vocational students present their creations. The final product was also part of an in-school competition between EPCTC students.

Ty O’Neill, a 2015 graduate, produced the winning design, a diamond-shaped glass ornament embossed with a linear “EP” in the red and white colors of the school with gold accent.

“I don’t know exactly why, but I always see lines when I see ‘EP,'” Ty said of his design. “I actually had two designs. The diamond one was the first and I also had one that was more 3D (three dimensional). And, of course, it had to be red and white. And then when (ChemArt) added the gold, I liked that as well. It added a nice shine to it.

“It’s a simple design really. I didn’t want to go too far with it. I think it worked out really well.”

As CTC design instructor Deila Nelson explained, the process was initiated by ChemArt, a Lincoln-based company that creates and manufactures souvenirs, ornaments and gifts among other kinds of keepsakes. The company was seeking to work with local high school students on an ornament project and reached out to EPCTC Principal Karen Mellen.

In the fall of 2014, the CTC Graphic Communications Level Four class toured the ChemArt facility and learned first hand about the process of creating an ornament from idea to production. Back in the classroom, each student began to create a vision of the ornament design. The process included sketching out ideas on paper and then creating a version of their design in Adobe Illustrator.

Once each student created an electronic version of their ornament, they presented it to their peers, who voted on the top five designs, which were those of O’Neill, Amanda Crawley, Haley Sisto, Nicholas Champagne and Thomas Brasil.

Those students then presented their ideas to teachers, guidance counselors and administrators at the CTC, where the top three designs were chosen to be sent to ChemArt’s art department for final revisions. Its art director, Kim Fyfe, rendered a design for all three. A final vote took place, the decision was made, a sample was created and Ty’s winning design was sent to production.

The initial run of ornaments included “EPCTC Class of 2015,” and those were sold at graduation last spring. Considering that success, it was determined to offer more of the ornaments with only the “EP” for sale this holiday season.

The ornaments cost $10 apiece. Besides being offered on Thanksgiving, the public can purchase the ornaments on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the CTC office from December 1 through December 22. All of the proceeds derived from their sale will be used to augment EPCTC students’ participation in SkillsUSA events this term.

On a side note, Ty O’Neill is currently attending the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick where he is taking his General Studies courses. He said his plan is to graduate then transfer to the University of Rhode Island where he intends to study either photography or graphics.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Edward R. Martin Middle School recently became a state finalist in the Samsung “Solve for Tomorrow” contest, a nationwide competition was created to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by challenging teachers and students to take topics out of traditional classroom settings and into local communities.

Martin Middle School moved onto the next round of the competition after students completed a project using STEM to address the accessibility of technology programs when used by visually impaired students or kinesthetic and auditory learners. For their efforts, the MMS team was awarded two Samsung Galaxy Tabs and the opportunity to win additional prizes. During the next phase of the competition, students will incorporate their learning into a lesson that addresses accessibility issues in an educational setting. In describing the dedication of her students, computer literacy teacher, Mary Cabral, found the competition a perfect fit for students who have shown an interest in pursuing STEM courses at MMS.

“It is a joy to be able to guide my students through the process of problem solving as they create new solutions. Competitions like this give MMS students a chance to show that they can compete with anyone.” MMS Assistant Principal, Robert Perry said, echoing Mrs. Cabral’s sentiments in praise of the efforts of MMS students.

“If technology is to be the great equalizer in education settings that it is claimed to be, then we need to increase our students access to the latest innovations,” he added. “Contests like this not only offer our students a chance to apply the lessons they learn in the classroom, but may also bring into our school much needed equipment to practice on. The efforts of Mrs. Cabral and this group of students has the potential to improve the education of hundreds of kids at MMS.”

Added MMS Principal Fatima Avila, “Congratulations to Mrs. Cabral and our students who had the vision to create a tool that meets societal needs, specifically the accessibility needs of one of our own students.  Their project required imagination and determination, as well as opportunity and guidance.  I am very proud of our school community members who continue to inspire all of us.”

MMS students will learn whether they move on to the next round of the competition in early December. For more information about the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, please visit http://www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow.

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PROVIDENCE — A Grand Jury has indicted an East Providence man for his involvement in two recent violent incidents.

Reginald Isom, 21, of 70 Evergreen Drive, faces charges stemming from a pair of armed robbery attempts in September and October. Warrants have been issued for his arrest.

The Providence County Grand Jury Tuesday, Nov. 24, reported out an indictment charging Mr. Isom, Andrew McLean, 23 of Providence, and Leroy Dorsey, 20 of Providence, each with one count of first degree robbery, one count of conspiracy, one count of discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm while committing a crime of violence.  In addition, Mr. Isom was indicted on two additional counts of possession of a firearm having been previously convicted of a crime of violence and Dorsey was indicted on one count of breaking and entering.

It is alleged that on or about October 23, Messrs. McLean, Isom and Dorsey, armed with a .9mm, robbed the Capital Gold pawn shop on Smith Street in Providence.  The pawn shop owner was shot during the robbery. The defendants fled the scene with items from the pawn shop, including the victim’s firearm.  It is further alleged that Dorsey broke into a residence in an attempt to evade police.

The alleged incidents took place in Providence. The Providence Police conducted the investigation. Messrs. McLean and Dorsey are scheduled to be arraigned in Providence County Superior Court before Justice Robert D. Krause on December 1.

Also Tuesday, the Grand Jury reported out a secret indictment for a separate incident charging Mr. Isom with assault with intent to rob, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm having been previously convicted of a crime of violence, and conspiracy.

It is alleged that on or about September 12, Mr. Isom conspired with an unidentified co-conspirator to commit robbery. It is further alleged that he took out a .9mm pistol and handed it to the unidentified co-conspirator who shot the victim in the leg.

The alleged incident took place in Providence. The Providence Police conducted the investigation.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Presented with a bouquet of flowers and showered with some flowery prose, the retiring Kim Mercer, as superintendent, sat in on her final session of the East Providence School Committee during the body’s Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Mrs. Mercer takes her leave from the position after just over 30 months on the job. She will be replaced by Kathryn Crowley, hired by the Committee at a special session held on November 16.

Ward 4 Committee member Jessica Beauchaine read from a prepared statement, recognizing Mrs. Mercer’s tenure in East Providence, which began in March of 2013 when she was hired by the state-appointed Budget Commission.

“I feel like you rescued a school district that needed to be rescued,” Mrs. Beauchaine said, adding “We’re able to move forward thanks to everything you’ve done.”

Mrs. Beachaine’s remarks referenced Mrs. Mercer’s 28-plus year career in education, starting in the classroom as a Special Education teacher. She later moved into administration, raising to the rank of deputy superintendent in Pawtucket before coming to East Providence.

“When you arrived this district was in need of vision and leadership, and you’ve been an integral part of our growth and prosperity,” Mrs. Beauchaine added.

Struck with a case of laryngitis, Mrs. Mercer’s thoughts for the evening were read by administrative assistant Pat Iannelli.

Mrs. Mercer thanked the teachers, students, parents and employees of the district as well as administrators, politicians, police and fire department staff.

She wrote she “will leave East Providence with special memories” before “wishing the best to all” in concluding her remarks.

School Committee Chairman Charlie Tsonos announced an open house reception for those wishing to meet with Mrs. Mercer one final time will take place Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the City Hall Chamber from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — An elderly woman apparently died some time overnight between Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, in an undetected home fire in the center of the city.

East Providence Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian declined to get into specifics about the woman’s age, the site of the fire or how it occurred in what he said were the very early stages of the investigation.

East Providence Fire Department officials, members of the East Providence Detectives and DCI (Department of Criminal Investigations) units as well as the State Fire Marshal’s office were on scene mid-afternoon Friday continuing the search for clues.

Chief Elmasian said his department received a call from concerned neighbors earlier Friday, who hadn’t heard from or seen the woman that morning. After peering into the window of her house, they saw no activity and worryingly phoned EPFD.

Firefighters reached the scene and needed to forcibly enter the home. Once inside, they found the victim to have perished and evidence of a fire that according to the chief “had self-extinguished.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The death of an elderly woman in a house fire has been determined to be accidental according to East Providence Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian.

Details about the incident became more clear later Friday afternoon, Nov. 27, the chief said. His department received a call at approximately 10:30 in the morning from concerned neighbors.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a woman whom Chief Elmasian said was in her early 90s deceased. Further investigation deemed she had passed as the result of an undetected cooking fire some time earlier in the day, the chief said, adding it self-extinguished before neighbors or firefighters became aware of the incident.

The result of the investigation by the EPFD, East Providence Police and state fire marshals came to the conclusion the event, which took place at 49 Summit St., was inadvertent.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School football team defeated LaSalle in the 87th edition of the Thanksgiving Day contest held November 26 at Pierce Stadium.

East Providence Post and eastbayri.com contributing photographer Alex Watrous captured the day’s events in the following gallery…

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence has hired the renowned “Dancing Cop” just days after he was fired by Providence for getting caught up in a controversy involving the Black Lives Matter movement.

Tony Lepore, the former Providence Police officer who has gained world-wide fame for his traffic control routine, will make his debut in city Sunday, Nov. 29, for the annual Crescent Park Looff Carousel tree lighting event from 2 to 6 p.m.

City Council President and Mayor Tommy Rose announced Mr. Lepore’s hiring on Friday, Nov. 27. For the rest of his time in East Providence, he will direct traffic in front of City Hall on Taunton Avenue from December 10 through Christmas Eve.

Mr. Lepore was fired by Providence for expressing his views about a recent incident at a Dunkin Donuts in the Capital City, where an employee wrote the #blacklivesmatter on the cup of a Providence Police officer who was purchasing coffee. A couple of similar recent events involving supporters of the movement and police have sparked controversy.

“All he did was write ‘all lives matter’ on Facebook,” Mr. Rose said in support of Mr. Lepore. “Myself and other members of the Council feel comfortable about bringing him in. I don’t think he did anything wrong.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — In the wake of protestations from some in the community, officials in East Providence have rescinded an offer to hire the “Dancing Cop” for the holiday season.

On Friday, Nov. 27, Council President and Mayor Tommy Rose announced he in consultation with some members of the board had decided to offer Tony Lepore the opportunity to perform in the city. The former Providence Police officer known nationally for his energetic exploits would patrol traffic in front of City Hall until Christmas Eve.

His first engagement in East Providence would be at the annual Christmas Tree lighting at the Crescent Park Carousel Sunday, Nov. 29, according to Mr. Rose.

However, as word spread of the hiring some in the city and from the area argued against it, threatening to protest Sunday’s event. Mr. Lepore eventually decided not to attend the tree lighting and by Tuesday, Dec. 1, the offer to work the holiday season was also taken back by the East Providence Council. An item on that night’s City Council meeting “Holiday Entertainment and Performance” by Mr. Rose was also expected not to come to the floor.

Mr. Lepore was recently involved in controversy over the “Black Lives Matter” movement. He took to Facebook to express his opinions about an incident that took place in Providence where a Dunkin Donuts employee wrote the slogan “#black lives matter” on the cup of a Providence Police officer attempting to buy coffee.

Two days before Thanksgiving, Mr. Lepore was informed by Providence officials he would no longer be employed as the “Dancing Cop” there.

Upon learning about the decision East Providence At-Large City Councilor Tracy Capobianco and Mr. Rose backed the notion of bringing Mr. Lepore to East Providence. However, by Tuesday, Mrs. Capobianco announced she would not support his formal hiring.

“When I learned the ‘Dancing Cop’ would not be performing in Providence this year, I thought it would add some holiday cheer here in East Providence,” Mrs. Capobianco wrote in a statement. “I spoke to the mayor about it. I’m embarrassed to admit at the time, I had no idea how much controversy surrounded Mr. Lepore. I soon came to realize that if hired here it may be offensive to people, which immediately made me realize hiring him would not be the right decision.”

For his part, Mr. Lepore remained adamant about his stance against the backlash he has faced about attending the Carousel event. He again took to Facebook where he wrote the following, “We were told yesterday (November 29) morning that 4 ‘Black Lives Matter’ groups were protesting there. As it turned out, it was a very small number. We were mislead. I would have gone had I known. I thought it best on behalf the children. As for me being a racist, there is nothing further from the truth. This is not a black or white issue. That`s the only leg they have to stand on. There is absolutely no valid reason for any protest against me. My stance is and always will be that ‘ALL’ colors matter.”

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Council President and Mayor Tommy Rose issued an apology at the start of the Tuesday night, Dec. 1, City Council meeting for entangling East Providence in a row over the proposed hiring of “The Dancing Cop.”

“It was something just to add to the East Providence Christmas season, nothing more than that,” Mr. Rose said after noting an item on Tuesday docket would be removed. “I’m sorry for the way it was perceived throughout the area. It’s not how it was intended. I’d like to move on and enjoy the holiday season.”

Mr. Rose then faced criticism from about a dozen members of the community, who questioned his knowledge of and appreciation for race relations in the city, though he also received the backing of some who defended him against charges of being a racist.

The words at Tuesday’s Council meeting stemmed from an offer made to former Providence Police officer Tony Lepore, who has gained renown for his gyrating traffic patrol routine. He was let go by Providence officials last week after he posted critical remarks on Facebook and picketed a Dunkin Donuts franchise after an employee there wrote “#blacklivesmatter” on the coffee cup of an active Providence patrolman.

Later last week, Mr. Rose led an effort locally to bring Mr. Lepore to East Providence for the holiday season, including a performance at the Carousel tree lighting on Sunday, Nov. 29. But as word spread, many residents in the city and outside threatened to protest the event and at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Under fire, Mr. Rose received some praise and scorn from about a dozen who spoke during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s Council meeting.

Ward 1 Councilman Bobby Britto, the lone African-American member of the Council, spoke in support of Mr. Rose. He said he was “disheartened” to hear Mr. Rose called racist. Mr. Britto added, “I’ve known him for some time now and I’ve never had any issue with him.”

East Providence Police Chief Chris Parella said his department put contingency plans into place and urged any who showed up to support either side of the matter show “respect” for those police officers, elected officials, city employees, residents and motorists at or near City Hall Tuesday evening. No significant protests emerged, however.

The chief distanced himself and his department from the brewing controversy, saying he and his officers have gone to great lengths to improve relations with the city’s minority residents.

“We’ve worked very hard, at least in the 25 years I’ve been here, to build a bridge between this department and the minority community to have it undone unnecessarily by others,” Chief Parella added. “This situation has nothing to do with the East Providence Police Department and its officers.”

Activists have urged the city’s minority community to delve deeper into race-related issues, including those involving the EPPD. Chief Parella said he is amenable to any examination.

“As public officials we are always open to scrutiny and we should be accountable to the people we serve. We should strive to be transparent, and we are in this department,” Chief Parella added.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — Santa, his elves and helpers from the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse recently visited East Providence in time for the holiday season.

East Providence Post and eastbayri.com staff photographer Rich Dionne chronicled Santa’s appearance in the following gallery…

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Meeting Street School is offering the chance to eelebrate the season with fun, uniquely designed holiday cards created by the talented students of Meeting Street, including one by a local young man.

This year’s collection features a penguin, a reindeer, skaters and gingerbread people. The reindeer was drawn and designed by East Providence resident Noah, a high school student at Meeting Street’s Carter School.

The packages of 15 cards are available for $15. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island produced the cards so that 100 percent of the proceeds from card sales can support Meeting Street and the unparalleled child development, education, research, and training its schools provide to children and families in the local community.

Companies can also have their name imprinted on the card for an additional charge. For more information or to place an order, please visit meeting-street.myshopify.com/ or contact Ashley DeSimone at 401-533-9230 or adesimone@meetingstreet.org.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence municipal employees were busy earlier this week erecting the Christmas tree in front of City Hall.

The tree was donated by a city resident who wished to have it removed from their property. Members of the Public Works Department put it the tree up on the west end of City Hall and decorated it.

The tree was being prepared for the city’s annual lighting ceremony set for Monday evening, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.

Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck at 6:30 p.m. to light the tree. Free refreshments and holiday music will be provided. This event is open to the public. For more information contact the City Clerk’s Office at 435-7596.

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EAST PROVIDENCE — The City of East Providence is conducting a pair of holiday decoration contests for those residents and businesses who display the most spirit during this Christmas season.

Residents and business owners must decorate their home and share a photo on the city’s Facebook page (facebook.com/pages/The-City-of-East-Providence/981407515220856) using the #EPHolidayDisplay. Then the public will allowed to vote for their favorite display starting on December 19. The city will announce the winners on December 23.

The prizes for the display winners are $50 gift certificates to a restaurant of their choice and the titles of “East Providence’s Most Decorated Home or Business” for the next year.

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