East Providence council approves property tax payment grace period

EAST PROVIDENCE — With far less fanfare than accompanied previous discussions, the East Providence City Council at its Tuesday, Jan. 3, meeting gave second and final passage to an amended ordinance creating a "grace period" for late property tax payments.
The council, as it did during its December 20 meeting, voted unanimously 5-0 to allow taxpayers an additional seven calendar days following the due date to remunerate their quarterly levy. The measure passed without any further discussion by the council, nor from any residents.
Also, the council is expected to soon pass a resolution making the ordinance retroactive to the third quarter of the current fiscal year, meaning those who paid their taxes in full by December 8, 2016, will receive a credit on their fourth quarter bill, due on March 1, for any late fees charged. That move is expected to take place at the January 20 council meeting.
The rest of the existing ordinance, that part pertaining to late penalties remains the same. If the unpaid balance isn't paid within the aforementioned grace period, then a 12 percent late fee will be added on.
No to no parking
Another matter of continued business broached by the council Tuesday was that of a proposed no parking zone on North Broadway 50 feet north to Cardona Street.
The ordinance was originally proposed by the previous council. The new body heard testimony on the topic at the aforementioned December 20 meeting, eventually tabling the matter to the most current gathering.
Public Works Director Steve Coutu testified Tuesday if the ordinance was passed it would take away two street level parking spots from businesses located on North Broadway. He also said after consultation with the East Providence Police Department, he was informed no traffic incidents at the location have been reported recently. In addition, Mr. Coutu said a "no parking" zone of 10 feet from the corner of Cardona and North Broadway already exists.
With that information, the council voted on a 5-0 count to deny the ordinance.
Remaining meeting schedule
The remaining slate of regularly scheduled council meetings for the rest of the year is as follows: Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 7 & Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.; March 7 & March 21, 7:30 p.m.; April 4 & April 18, 7:30 p.m.; May 2 & May 16, 7:30 p.m.; June 6 & June 20, 7:30 p.m.; July 18, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 5 & Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 3 & Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7 & Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 5 & Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Each meeting is preceded by an executive session/claims committee meeting starting at 7 p.m.