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.