David Rodio, a former building official in Providence and current building official for the town of Hopkinton, is on course to become Cranston’s new director of building inspections.

During a special meeting held April 10 as part of the advice and consent process, the City Council’s Finance Committee voted to forward Rodio’s nomination to the full council. He would fill a position that has been occupied by Stanley Pikal, the city’s alternate building official, on an acting basis.

Director of Administration Daniel Parrillo told the Finance Committee that Rodio, a resident of Cranston, has 35 years of experience in the building trades. Rodio worked for the Providence Department of Inspections and Standards from 1993 to 2018.

“He has all the certifications that the city of Cranston is requiring … and other licenses above and beyond what we’re looking for,” Parrillo said. “The mayor feels very confident in his abilities to take over this position.”

Citywide Councilman Ken Hopkins asked Rodio about “the relationship between our enforcement department and the businesses that are violating neighborhood codes.”

“We do have some pretty big businesses that are operating right now that we have felt have been, I wouldn’t use the term ‘violation,’ but very disruptive in the neighborhoods,” he said. “And we’ve received a multitude of complaints and updates, and the businesses seem to continue to press the envelope and push it … I guess my question is, are you the type of director that’s going to be very aggressive in going after these businesses to protect our citizens?”

Rodio replied: “Aggressive as I possibly can with the tools that I have in hand and the staff I have. It’s a balancing act, you know that.”

Ward 1 Councilwoman Lammis Vargas said she would like to create an “open line of communication” between the inspections department and council so that lawmakers can be “transparent” with constituents regarding various situations. Ward 3 Councilman John Donegan made a similar request, and Rodio said he would be willing to appear at council meetings and meet with residents in community settings.

Rodio said he believes enforcement authority “needs to be better defined” and that the issue is not unique to Cranston. He suggested a review of zoning regulations could help address existing issues.

He also outlined his general view of the inspections department’s role and responsibilities.

“The people that come in our office are paying a fee for permission to build something. To me, that’s our first customer and those are the people we take care of. They’re the ones paying for our office. Everything else, to me, is secondary,” he said.

The circumstances surrounding Rodio’s departure from Providence drew some questions and concerns from council members.

Rodio resigned from his job in the capital city in January 2018 after being accused through an ethics complaint of improperly issuing a notice of violation against the owners of a home on Raritan Avenue as a “personal act of retaliation.” Rodio’s grandfather had built the home, and a family dispute existed regarding its ownership.

A city of Providence investigation subsequently found insufficient evidence to support the ethics complaint. The Providence Ethics Commission did forward the matter to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, which took no action.

When questioned initially by Ward 2 Councilman Paul McAuley about the situation, Rodio replied simply: “I did my 25 years and retired with a pension.”

After follow-up questions from Citywide Councilman Steven Stycos and Donegan – who called the matter “troubling” – Rodio defended his actions while working for the city of Providence.

“I had issued a violation of the building code for a dangerous condition on a relative’s house. The relative then in turn wrote letters to the administration, and I was asked to leave the department,” Rodio said.

“And do you feel that you did anything improper?” Stycos asked.

“Oh, no. I would do it again,” Rodio responded. “I did nothing improper. There was no evidence, there was no improprieties at all.”

Parrillo also defended Rodio and said the complaint “never went anywhere.”

“There was no impropriety proven … they didn’t move forward with the complaint,” he said.

Ward 6 Councilman Michael Favicchio told Rodio his remarks suggested “that you’re not afraid to stand up to politically connected people in terms of doing your job.”

“Not at all,” Rodio replied.

Hopkins also spoke in support of Rodio’s nomination.

“He seems very knowledgeable, very personable. He’s highly recommended and I’m going to support this,” he said.

Rodio received favorable recommendations from fellow inspections professionals as well.

Chuck Phelps, who worked in the Cranston inspections department for 11 years, called Rodio “well respected.”

Pikal said Rodio “will be a welcome addition to our department” and a “great asset.” He said the loss of long-time staff members in recent years has affected the inspections department.

“We had a well-oiled machine and it was running great. A lot of people have since moved on and left us at a loss, so I’ve been doing what I can to keep the department going,” he said.

Mayor Allan Fung’s city budget plan for the coming year includes new staff members for the inspections department. In addition to the director’s position, the budget includes filling two vacant positions – a code compliance officer and a minimum housing inspector – and creating a new hybrid position, split between the planning and inspections departments and focused on zoning issues.

Robert Wilson, president of the Edgewood Heights Neighborhood Association, frequently appears before the council to discuss issues related to the Yard Works facility on Warwick Avenue. On April 10, he read a prepared statement on behalf of the association, saying its members have been “frustrated and disappointed” with enforcement in recent years regarding the business.

“We are glad to have a fresh start and we are looking forward to working with you to address our problems with Yard Works, as well as your helping the other Cranston residents deal with their problem neighbors,” he told Rodio. “They are adversely affecting the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods and our ability to reasonably enjoy our properties.”

The full council is scheduled to consider Rodio’s nomination at its April 22 meeting.