CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
DOCKET-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M.
145 TAUNTON AVENUE-CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
EXECUTIVE SESSION: CONFERENCE ROOM A
OPEN SESSION WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW EXECUTIVE SESSION
Notice: The meeting will also be viewable live at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YEW6s1RpjcKR47VMil1LA
City Council:
Council President, Bob Rodericks – At Large
Council Vice-President: Frank Rego – Ward 1
Councilwoman Anna Sousa - Ward 2
Councilman Frank Fogarty - Ward 3
Councilman Rick Lawson - Ward 4
City Solicitor, Michael J. Marcello
City Clerk, Jill Seppa
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
III. PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS - none
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - For discussion and possible vote
A. COUNCIL JOURNALS:
1. Regular Meeting Minutes July 18, 2023
2. Executive Meeting Minutes July 18, 2023
B. TAX ABATEMENTS-Council accepting correspondence.
Year Amount
2023 $39650.32
Total $39650.32
C. READ IN
1. One Day Entertainment
Applicant: East Providence Library (Outdoor Summer Concert)
Applicant Location: 41 Grove Ave
Time and Date: August 9, 2023 6:30pm-7:30pm
Street to be closed: N/A
2. One Day Entertainment
Applicant: East Providence Arts Council
Applicant Location: Crescent Park
Time and Date: August 12, 2023 8am-6pm
Street to be closed: N/A
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
V. LICENSES - For discussion and possible vote
A. Motion to bundle licenses C1-C15
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
B. Motion to approve licenses C1-C15
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
C. NON-PUBLIC HEARING
1. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Weaver Library
Applicant Location: Weaver Library
Date and Time of Function: August 23, 2023 6:30 pm-7:30pm
Type of entertainment: Concert
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
2. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Weaver Library
Applicant Location: Weaver Library
Date and Time of Function: September 21, 2023 4:00 am-7:00pm
Type of entertainment: live band
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
3. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Peace Love Judah Jam Festival (Trinity Tabernacle)
Applicant Location: Onna Moniz-John Central Park
Date and Time of Function: September 10, 2023 11:00 am-5:00pm
Type of entertainment: Festival
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
4. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Tara Machado
Applicant Location: 79 Narragansett Ave.
Date and Time of Function: September 3, 2023 4:00pm-10:30pm
Type of entertainment: live band
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
5. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Diane Sullivan (Concerts in the Park)
Applicant Location: Crescent Park
Date and Time of Function: September 7, 2023 6:00pm-8:00pm
Type of entertainment: musical performance
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
6. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Hear in Rhode Island/Rhode Island Folk Festival
Applicant Location: Crescent Park
Date and Time of Function: August 27, 2023 12:00pm-6:00pm
Type of entertainment: music festival
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
7. Special Events Alcoholic License- Class F (Feast Full Liquor One Day)
Applicant: Dorris Moore (East End Theatre and Performing Arts)
Event: Murder Mystery Fundraiser 2023
Location: 1336 Pawtucket Avenue
Date and Time of Event: January 19, 2024, January 20, 2024 6:30pm-9pm
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
8. Special Events One Day Entertainment License
Applicant: Weaver Library
Applicant Location: Weaver Library
Date and Time of Function: August 24, 2023 4:00 pm-7:00pm
Type of entertainment: Concert
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
9. Mobile Food Truck-New Business
Applicant: Saket Lohia
Business Name: Grub Guru Inc
Business Address: 187 N Brow St
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
10. Mobile Food Truck-New Business
Applicant: Janine Anthony (Boba Wave)
Business Address: 28 a Mount Hygeia Road Foster, RI 02825
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
11. Second Hand, Trucks, Dealers and Junkyards-New
Applicant: Jeremy Ahearn
Business Name: Ahearn Equipment
Business Address: 1100 Warren Avenue
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
12. Mobile Food Truck-New
Applicant: Kim Nunes
Business Name: Teddys Candy Bar & More LLC
Business Address: 220 Willett Avenue
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
13. Victualing Class III (under 25)-New
Applicant: Timothy Rison III
Business Name: Fork N Sammich Express
Business Address: 481 Warren Avenue
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
14. Sundays and Holidays-New
Applicant: Russel Johnson
Business Name: Ocean State Golf Academy
Business Address: 855-865 Waterman Avenue
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
15. Sundays and Holidays, Victualing Class I (more than 51) -New
Applicant: Chipolte Licensing
Business Name: Chipolte
Business Address: 75 Newport Avenue
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
D. PUBLIC HEARING – none
VI. COMMUNICATIONS -
Any person who submits a communication to the Council and wishes to speak on it must indicate this in writing no later than 4:00 p.m. the Thursday prior to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting. A person who lists more than one topic on their communication will be allowed to speak on the first one listed.
1. Joe Larisa – Addition of Carousel Five to Park Monument
2. Nancy Hale – Public Safety-Sidewalks
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
All persons wishing to make public comment shall sign a public comment sheet stating their name, address and the subject of their comments. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes. The order of speakers will be on a first come, first serve basis and the maximum time for public comment shall by limited to thirty (30) minutes per meeting.
VIII. APPOINTMENTS
Motion to bundle re-appointments XI 1-6
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
Motion to Approve Re-Appointments XI 1-6
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
1. Appointment to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission- Ben Schwartz; appointment 9- Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
2. Appointment to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission – Mike Kennedy; appointment 10 alternate 1– Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
3. Appointment to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission – Charlie Dwyer; appointment 11, alternate 2- Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
4. Appointment to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission – David Luiz; appointment 11, alternate 2 – Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
5. Appointment to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission – Joe Grillo; appointment 13 alternate 4 – Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
6. Appointment to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission – Dennis Thibault; appointment 14 alternate 5 – Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
VIIII. COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Schedule Budget Hearing Workshops FY 24- Discussion and possible vote- Council President Rodericks
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
2. Request for clarification on RFP process and how the City Council can assist the administration in creating RFPs for ARPA projects- Discussion and possible vote-Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
3. Receive report requested of Chief Quick, Fire Chief for City of East Providence – Present and receive report-Council Vice President Rego
a. Rescue calls for July to 02916 (Rumford) Monday -Friday calls after 5 pm
(Location time of call Truck # Rescue # arrival time of both trucks and time depart of Rescue Truck.)
b. Rescue calls for July to 02916 (Rumford) for Sat - Sun all day
(Location time of call, Truck #, Rescue #, arrival time of both trucks and time depart of Rescue Truck.)
4. Discussion on Police Station renovation and funding – Discussion only- Councilman Lawson.
5. Possible suggestions for amendments regarding Council interactions to City of East Providence Charter Sec. 2-18. [City council; administrative service; interactions.]-Discussion only – Council President Rodericks and Council Vice President Rego
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS – Ordinance for first and final passage and second passage - For discussion and possible vote
1. An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”
Summary: Section 18-307 entitled “Parking prohibited at all times” Troughton Place
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks and Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
2. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating $150,000 for General and Basketball Court improvements at Glenlyon Park
Sponsor: Councilman Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
3. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating $50,000 for improvements to Lyle Bourne Park
Sponsor: Councilman Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
XI. CONTINUED BUSINESS –
Receive reports from Sensys Gatso on School Safety and Speed Cameras and act on possible audit- Discuss and vote- Full City Council
a. Number of citations were paid from post warning period inception to June 30, 2023
b. Number of events from Sensys Gatso issued from inception to June 30, 2023
c. Number of citations were generated from these events from inception to June 30, 2023
d. Number of citations are unpaid from inception to June 30, 2023
e. How many were adjudicated/dismissal from inception to June 30,2023
f. What is the total revenue from inception to June 30, 2023
g. A report by zip code of total tickets from inception to June 30, 2023
h. Contract revisions permissions related to times, locations and hours of operation of School Zone and Red Light Cameras.
i. What are the total hours and number of a police officer spent on the ticket reviewing process?
j. Time frame of issuance for violation for previous school year.
k. Citations by school zone
l. Staff operations workload
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
XII. NEW BUSINESS
1. MAYOR COMMUNICATIONS-Dir. of Administration Napoleon Gonsalves
a. East Providence rolls out Tax Amnesty Program for real estate property owners that are behind on their 2022 and prior real estate tax bills. Program will run for a 60-day-period beginning on August 15, 2023 until October 14, 2023.
b. Finance Update: July Revenues and Capital Expenses-Dir. Of Finance Malcolm Moore
c. Learn365-Advancing Learning Beyond the 180-Day School Year Grant Award ($340,000)
d. Multipurpose Community Facility Project Municipal Grant Award ($3,377,831)
e. Friendship City-Republic of Artsakh Proclamation-July 31, 2023
f. Indian Independence Day Proclamation-August 15, 2023
g. Indian Independence Day Celebration-August 15th, 2023 (Event on August 17th at 5:30pm)
h. 32nd Annual Neighborhood Day-Onna Moniz-John-Central Park-August 19th starting at 9am
2. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
i. Report of City Solicitor
i. Claims Committee Report
3. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON
a. School committee meeting updates
4. RESOLUTIONS - For discussion and possible vote.
a. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for a new building on property adjacent to the Crescent Park Carousel
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks and Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
b. Resolution to petition the state traffic commission to conduct a traffic study along Pawtucket Avenue
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
c. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for City Roadway Improvements.
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
d. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for the Senior Center window replacement project.
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
e. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a change order for the purchase and installation of pole lights at the Riverside Middle School.
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks and Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
f. Resolution Authorizing City Council expenditure of funds for outstanding legal bill from outside council.
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
g. Resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds for the end of summer concert at Crescent Park ($2,000), National Carousel Association Event ($8,000), Great Townie Pumpkin Festival ($600), Rumford Little League State Little League Championship ($500) from the Live Nation Recreation Fund
Sponsor: Council President Rodericks, Council Vice President Rego, Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
5. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - For discussion and possible vote
a. An ordinance in the amendment of Chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”
Summary: Sec. 18-228 Right turns at certain red lights.
All vehicular traffic is prohibited from turning right on red at the following locations: Greenwood Avenue (eastbound) at the intersection of Newman Avenue.
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
b. An ordinance of amendment of Chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”
Summary: Sec. 18-269 sub-section b. “Stop and yield intersections designated;” Luther Avenue (westbound traffic) at Rockaway Street
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
c. An ordinance in the amendment of Chapter 18 of the revised ordinances of the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”
Summary: Sec. 18-269 Stop and yield intersections.
All vehicular traffic is to stop
locations: Bishop Avenue (eastbound & westbound) at Barney Street.
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
d. An ordinance of amendment of Chapter 17 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Utilities”
Summary: Section 1. Division 4 entitled “Use Regulations” of Article III
entitled “Sanitary Sewer System” of Chapter 17.
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
e. An ordinance of amendment of Chapter 17 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Utilities”
Summary: Section 17-76 entitled “Definitions” of Article III
entitled “Sanitary Sewer System” of Chapter 17.
Sponsor: Council Vice President Rego
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
f. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $450,000 to update road (ground surface) landscape and public access to the boat ramps, lighting and parking for trailers at Bold Point Park and John Lewis Waterfront Park.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
g. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $50,000 for a citywide utility box art project.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
h. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $1,000,000 for funding of the Crescent Park Concession Project and Event Tent Project.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
i. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $1,000,000 for the former Oldham School building on Bullocks Point Avenue.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
j. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $550,000 to replace the walking track at Pierce Field football stadium. Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
k. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $550,000 for placemaking throughout the city.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
l. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $200,000 for a splashpad in Riverside.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
m. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $450,000 for improvements to Townie Pride Park.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
n. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $5,000,000 for needed improvements to the infrastructure of sewers and drains citywide.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Co-Sponsor: Councilman Fogarty & Councilwoman Sousa
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
o. An ordinance of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $400,000 to the planning department for the storefront improvement program.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
p. An ordinance of the council of the City of East Providence appropriating up to $500,000 for adaptive playground equipment for the city’s special needs population.
Summary: to be funded from Federal ARPA funds.
Sponsor: Councilman Lawson
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of East Providence may meet in Executive Session,
pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(2)
A. Personnel Exception RIGL §42-46-5 (a)(1)
1. Complete City Clerks position 90 day review
(notice given)
B. Claims
1. Cidalia DaSilva
C. Sewer Abatements
1. Industrial Heights Condo (Steve Gentile)
D. Litigation
1. Richard Kirby vs. City of East Providence
C.A. No. PC-2019-6124
Litigation Update and Discovery Requests
E. R.I.G.L. 42-26-5(5) Any discussions or considerations related to the acquisition of real property for public purposes wherein advance public information would be detrimental to the interest of the public.
XIV. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Fogarty_____ Lawson_____ Rego_____ Sousa _____ Rodericks_____
XV. MOTION TO SEAL EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
Member Aye Nay
Councilman Fogarty
Councilman Lawson
Council Vice President Rego
Councilwoman Sousa
Council President Rodericks
If communication assistance is needed or any other accommodations to ensure equal participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 401.435.7590 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.