CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990
A Regular Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers on the above date at 8:00 P.M.
Roll Call present
Councilman Charbonneau
Councilman Laroche
Councilwoman Moreau
Councilman Sienkiewicz
Councilman Vaudreuil
Quorum present.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche presided.
Motion was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to accept collectively and place on file the minutes to the previous meetings. All Agreed. So Voted.
Electrical Permits, Plumbing Permits, Building Inspector, Police Report, Municipal Court Report, Animal Control Officer's Report.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
John Lefrancois, Recycling Coordinator, addressed the City Council and explained the Recycling Program. He stated that a meeting would be held at the Central Falls Junior/Senior High School to inform the Public of the recycling program which is a state mandated program.
An Ordinance Relating to Chapter 14 Entitled Licenses; Establishing Article XIII entitled " General Merchandise License."
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14, Article VI entitled "Food Establishments as Amended."
An Ordinance In Amendment to the Revised Ordinances Amending Fees for
Licenses and Permits.
An Ordinance Relating to Registering Business Trade Names.
Introduced by City Council President Albert O. Laroche
An Ordinance Amending Section 16-20-4 of the Traffic Ordinance Entitled One-Way Streets Designated.
Council President Albert Laroche asked the City Clerk, Daniel Issa to read a correspondence from Chief Coutu regarding this Ordinance.
Deputy Chief John Fram addressed the City Council regarding this Ordinance.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Amending Section 16-19-4 of the Traffic Ordinance Entitled "Penalties".
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Amending Section 16-3-16 of the Traffic Ordinance.
City Council President opened the meeting for public hearing.
Deputy Chief explained the reason for this amendment.
Public Hearing closed by City Council President, Albert Laroche.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Relating to Department Heads.
City Council President Albert Laroche opened the meeting to a Public Hearing.
Wilfred Demeule of 855 Broad St. addressed the City Council and spoke in opposition of this Ordinance. He stated that it is illegal to amend the City Charter, which states that Department Heads must be qualified electors of the City. He also stated that he would follow up with legal action against inforcement of this Ordinance.
City Solicitor Raymond P. Cooney responded for the record that Mr. Demeule's statement is incorrect.
Councilman Vaudreuil asked City Solicitor Cooney to further explain his remarks.
City Solicitor Cooney explained that the City Charter states that Department Heads must be qualified electors of the City unless otherwise provided for by Ordinance. Therefore, this Ordinance can be implimented.
Mr. Demeule addressed the City Solicitor on the intent of the City Charter.
City Solicitor Cooney responded to Mr. Demeule's comments.
Lorraine Savard of Emmett St. questioned the need to seek persons outside the City.
Mayor Lazieh responded that he wished to seek the best possible Department Heads in the best possible interest of the City. He further stated that unfortunately not all may live within the City.
Lorraine Savard further questioned the Mayor on this Ordinance.
Mayor Lazieh responded.
Mr. Demeule referred to a 1976 decision made by City Solicitor McLean. He further stated that this decision should have been taken to Court to determine if it was legal or not.
Raymond Cooney, City Solicitor responded to Mr. Demeule that the City would suffer, that the relationship between the City Solicitor and the Mayor should be one of Attorney and Client and that the Mayor must have the greatest amount of trust and be comfortable with the City's Attorney. He further stated that he believed this Ordinance to be valid.
Mayor Lazieh stated that his intentions is to serve the City in the best way possible and to provide the best qualified personnel for the future of the City.
Josephine McLaughlin asked if there were qualified people in the City.
Mayor Lazieh responed that he personally contacted all the Attorney's in the City for the position of City Solicitor.
Mrs. Savard asked about other positions filled that are not City Residents.
Mary Philip asked if the present City Solicitor, Raymond Cooney was asked to apply.
Mayor Lazieh responded yes.
City Council President Albert Laroche closed the public hearing.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
Roll Call vote:
| Councilman Charbonneau | no |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carried. 4 yes 1 no
George Muksian
City Solicitor
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.
Roll Call vote:
| Councilman Charbonneau | no for reason that Mr. Muksian is not a City resident. |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carried, 4 yes 1 no.
Mayor Lazieh thanked the City council for the approval of his appointment of George Muksian as City Solicitor.
Council President Albert O. Laroche thanked the City Solicitor, Raymond Cooney for his years of dedication and service to the City.
Resolution Congratulating Claudia DeFaria "All Time Scoring Leader" Central Falls High School Girl's Basketball Team.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and unanimously seconded. Unanimously approved.
Councilman Vaudreuil read the Resolution to Claudia and her parents publicly and presented them with a true copy.
Council President Albert O. Laroche spoke of the DeFaria Family and congratulated Claudia on her outstanding efforts.
Mayor Lazieh also publicly congratulated Claudia on her outstanding basketball season.
Resolution Supporting an Application for a Detention Center submitted to the United States Justice Department.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche asked the City Clerk to read the resolution and a letter from Mr. Brody of Detention Center Associates.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Charbonneau | no because he doesn't feel that the detention center should be in City. |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carried. 4 yes 1 no.
Fanny Alzate d/b/a Fine Alterations at 702 Broad St. C.F.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Michael Fontaine of 16 Prospect St., Cumberland, R.I.
d/b/a Crobar's - Peddle prepared foods/hamburgers etc. by truck.
Councilman Charbonneau questioned a 3:00 A.M. closing time.
Deputy Chief Fram addressed problem with late hours.
Councilman Charbonneau stated that 3:00 was much to late.
Raymond Cooney stated that State Law provides for 2:00 A.M. closing.
Mr. Fontaine answered the City Council's questions.
Councilman Sienkiewicz suggested a 3pm to 1am time on a trial basis.
Councilman Charbonneau motioned to table action on this application until the March 12, 1990 regular meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
Zaky Nassaney d/b/a Zak's Hair Salon at 977 Dexter St. to James Nassaney d/b/a Zak's Hair Salon.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
St. Matthew Church 1030 Dexter St., Central Falls.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Garfield Social Club - 11 Hunt St. C.F.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Robert Moreau, RFD #1 Great Road Lincoln
Ronald C. Doucet, 74 Perry St. C.F.
Andre J. Lambert, 113 Summit St., C.F.
Edna S. Poulin, 68 Notre Dame St. C.F.
Debra A. Rice, 56 Thomas Ave. Pawt.
John Lefrancois, 163 Chestnut St. C.F.
Carlene Refino, 103 Robinson Ave. Pawt.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
See List
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz, omitting Raymond Poulin, seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Craig A. Charbonneau
d/b/a Life & Security Detective Agency
P.O. Box 155
Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Vaureuil and Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Julio F. Medeiros, Jr.
d/b/a A Private Detective
206 Washington St.
Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Ronald A. Robichaud, Jr.
d/b/a Security Plus
259 Fuller Ave.
Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Joseph F. Torres
d/b/a Torres Security Co.
742 Broad St.
Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Shepard & McKenzie by their Attorney Gordon M. Smith, Esq. damages for services rendered for the City of Central Falls. ($25,000.00)
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
George J. Costa, by his Attorney Donna M. Sevella, Esq. for damages arising out of the conduct of the agents, servants, and employees of the City of Central Falls to wit, a certain Police Officer or Police Officers of the Central Falls Police Department. ($250,000).
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution, Town of Richmond; re: Against recism and discrimination.
Resolution, Town of Coventry; re: State Aid to Municipalities.
City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa to Sergeant Michael Long; re: Disability Retirement.
Resolution, Town of Cumberland, re: support legislation to declare the Blackstone Valley District Commission a public utility subject to all P.U.C. regulations.
Resolution, Town of Westerly; re: abolish Sunday Sales Fees.
Marie Gorman, Coordinator. Volunteer Services for Animals; re: Services provided to the Lincoln Animal Shelter.
Andre Lambert, acting building official; re: permit fees.
Wilfred R. DeMeule; re: File of Complaint to the City Council against Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, Deputy City Clerk; re: Request for advice from assistant City Solicitor, re: complaint of Wilfred R. DeMeule.
George Muksian, Assistant City Solicitor; re: response to Mrs. Crowley's letter.
Wilfred R. DeMeule; re: File of Complaint to the City Council against Thomas Lazieh, Mayor.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk; re: Letter to City Attorney re: Complaint filed by Wilfred DeMeule pertaining to Mayor Lazieh.
Correspondence from Mayor Lazieh.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Helen Bennett
346 Cowden St.
Term to expire Jan. 1995.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Rene A. Coutu, Central Falls Fire Chief; re: Making Kendall St. a One-Way Street.
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Raymond Mitchell
d/b/a Mrs. Diana
430 Dexter St.
Central Falls.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
Theodore J. Pryzbyla, Jr.
610 Lonsdale Ave.
Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Councilman Charbonneau questioned Council President Albert Laroche on the correspondences from Wilfred DeMeule.
George Muksian, Assistant City Solicitor explained the procedure for the complaint filed by Mr. DeMeule. He said at this time it is a presentation only.
Mayor Lazieh addressed the City Council regarding these complaints and stated that they are presented by Political Motivation only. He further explained that the situation was addressed by the State Police investigation that was called for by Mayor Silva. Mayor Lazieh stated that it is deplorable that he has to spend time answering these types of charges which detracts from the business of solving the serious financial situation that the City is currently facing.
Councilman Charbonneau urged Mr. DeMeule to acquire the signatures needed to hear the complaints.
City Council President Albert Laroche turned the Chair to the President Pro-Temp. Hector Charbonneau.
President Pro Temp. recognized Councilman Laroche.
Councilman Laroche addressed the City Council about the problem of Prostitution in the City, especially since the crack down taking place in both Pawtucket and Providence, which is sending the Prostitutes into the City.
Deputy Chief Fram commented on Councilman Laroche's concerns and informed the City Council that the situation was being worked on "as we speak".
Mayor Lazieh also addressed the problem and stated that this was an on going concern and as Public Safety Director every possible avenue would be taken to solve the problem.
Councilwoman Moreau commented on this problem especially around the Rand Place area.
President Pro Temp. Charbonneau relinquished the Chair to the City Council President.
Councilman Charbonneau asked Mayor Lazieh how many Department Heads were in the State Pension Plan.
Mayor Lazieh responded that he wasn't sure but would have a response at the next meeting.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 9:30 p.m.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk