City of Central Falls Claims Committee Meeting
November 22, 1999 At 6:20 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
580 Broad Street
Central Falls, Rhode Island
A Meeting of the Claims Committee was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:23 p.m.
Councilman Noury
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Weber
Councilman Canavan
Quorum present.
Meeting chaired by Councilman Noury.
From Matthew Oliverio re: Seamus J. Martin
Motion to place on file was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted.
Seamus J Martin for damages to vehicle on 10/21/99 by alleged collision with Police vehicle on Blackrock Road, Coventry.
Motion to deny was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Ferri. All Agreed. So Voted.
Thomas Dixon for alleged damages to his vehicle with a collision with the Fire truck on 10/6/99 on Cowden St.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted.
None
Thomas Lazieh pending claim.
Solicitor James Briden stated to the Board that it is not appropriate for the City Solicitor or Assistant Solicitor to give an opinion on a matter that both are involved in and gave testimony before the Ethics Commission. He recommended that this be referred to another Attorney and he suggested Attorney Maruzak. He stated that a copy of the Ethics Commission’s decision and a Copy of the Interlocal’s Letter on the Lazieh matter should be forwarded to him.
Councilman Canavan stated that its going to be very unfortunate for the next Council if they have to decide this issue due to the fact that Mr. Lazieh will be a member of that body. It is unfortunate that this can’t be wrapped up before the new Council comes into Office.
Mr. Lazieh addressed the Board. He stated that this is unfortunate but that the situation was created and has caused much anguish for him and was a highly publicized event and will continue to be highly published until it can be put to rest. He stated that the truth never came out and what was published was highly negative. He stated that three members of the Council acted on this from information provided by the information. He stated that there are no records of any sub committee meeting or minutes nor was the City Clerk present for any meetings that were of a sub committee nature nor was there a posted Agenda of any such meeting. He stated that he acted upon the opinion of the Solicitor of that time and Pointed out Charter Chapter 4-300 and discussed the duties of the Law Department. He pointed that another similar case during the 1980’s was during the Administration of Carlos A. Silva with regards to Harry Tajra.
Mr. Lazieh stated that the City Council did meet on November 5, 1990 in a Claims Committee Meeting to discuss the issue of the Tajra Claim. He stated that this is a situation that is similar to the Tajra case and he commented on section 28 (e) under exclusions.
Mr. Briden stated that someone from the outside must give an opinion regarding this issue.
Motion to table until the December 13, 1999 meeting was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Weber.
Councilman Noury stated that Mr. Lazieh raised some interesting legal point.
Councilman Noury yes
Councilman Ferri yes
Councilman Weber yes
Councilman Canavan yes
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Weber. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 8:00 P.M.
__________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC