CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 12, 1990
A Regular Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held, on the above date, in the City Hall Council Chambers, at 8:09 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 to accept collectively and place on file the minutes to the previous meetings, was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Electrical Permits, Building Inspector, Plumbing Permits, Minimum Housing, Municipal Court Report, Animal Control Officer, Police Reports and State Animal Control Report.
Councilman Sienkiewicz corrected the date on the police report.
Councilman Vaudreuil commented on the Municipal Court.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Amendment to the Revised Ordinances Amending Fees for Licenses and Permits, as Amended.
Motion to approve, as recommended by the City Clerk's Office, was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Relating to the Registration of Business Trade Names.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14 Article VI Entitled Food Establishments as Amended.
City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa, read the Ordinance.
City Council President, Albert O. Laroche opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:16 p.m. No Comments. Public Hearing closed 8:17 p.m. Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Relating to Chapter 14 Entitled Licenses; Establishing Article XIII entitled General Merchandise License.
City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa, read the Ordinance.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:18 p.m. No Comments. Public hearing closed at 8:20 p.m.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Amending Section 16-20-4 of the Traffic Ordinance Entitled One-Way Streets designated.
City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa read the Ordinance.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:21 p.m.
School Committee Chairman Robert Canavan explained the School Department's position on the One-Way street, and asserted that parents preferred curbside exiting from the bus.
Fire Chief Rene Coutu reported, from a Firemen's point of view, that the best way for this One-Way would be from Pine St. to Lonsdale Ave., however, curbside exiting from a school bus was safer for school children.
Police Captain, Robert Sasso, agreed that curbside exiting was best for the safety of the children.
City Council president Albert O. Laroche closed the public hearing at 8:27 p.m.
Councilwoman Moreau spoke in favor of establishing a One-Way Street on Kendall St., from Lonsdale Ave. to Pine St. She explained that curbside exiting for young children was safest, especially since the school may become an early learning center, which will house children as young as 3 years old.
Motion to designate Kendall St. a One-Way Street, from Lonsdale Ave. to Pine Street, was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.
Roll Call vote:
| Councilman Charbonneau | yes |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Unanimously approved.
An Ordinance amending Section 16-19-4 of the Traffic Ordinance entitled "Penalties".
City Clerk Daniel J. Issa read the Ordinance.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:30 p.m.
Police Captain Robert Sasso explained the Ordinance amendment to the City Council. The fine presently used is not discouraging the removal of vehicles from City streets, he explained. The increasing of this fine should motivate residents in the removal of these vehicles.
A resident asked why the vehicles weren't being towed.
Captain Sasso responded that vehicles are being towed during snowstorms.
Public Hearing closed at 8:31 p.m.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance, as Amended.
City Clerk Daniel J. Issa read the Ordinance.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:32 p.m.
Lorraine Savard of Emmett Street asked what the Ordinance was about.
Maurice Hamel of 26 Tucker St. spoke in support of the Amendment to the Ordinance; and expressed his complete support of the detention facility.
Lorraine Savard of Emmett St. asked why the Ordinance didn't contain the detention center.
Council President Albert O. Laroche explained that the amendment didn't just pertain to the detention center.
James Pennington of 213 Hunt St. questioned whether the issue of the detention center should be put on a referendum.
City Council President Albert Laroche answered that every question that is brought before the City Council cannot be delegated to a referendum; the City Council is elected to decide most of these matters.
Maurice Dauray of Walnut St. asked if this Ordinance affected other property owners.
City Solicitor George Muksian explaiend that the Ordinance affects all property in the City.
Mayor Lazieh explained that this Ordinance does not change any particular Zoning, but allows any project to be presented to the Zoning Board of Review.
Public Hearing closed at 8:45 p.m.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.
Roll Call vote:
| Councilman Charbonneau | against |
| Councilman Laroche | approve |
| Councilwoman Moreau | approve |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | approve |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | approve |
Motion carried. 4 approve 1 against.
Resolution approving the sale of City Surplus Property on Earle St.
Resolution read by City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa.
Councilman Vaudreuil asked the Mayor to explain this Resolution.
Mayor Lazieh and Attorney Upton Savoie explained the Sale of this small parcel of land adjoining the sidewalk near Earle St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Correspondence from Attorney Savoie, who represents Dexter Credit Union, was accepted and placed on file. Motion was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
See List
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Estate of Mary E. Zajac d/b/a White Front Cafe at 806-810 Broad St. C.F.
to
1374 Corporation d/b/a Iberia Restaurant at 1374 Broad St. C.F.
Motion to approve, subject to the actions of the Liquor Board, was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Todd Therriault
d/b/a Common King of Rhode Island
392 Dexter St. C.F.
Buy, sell and trade new & used baseball cards.
George Muksian, City Solicitor, explained that the Second Hand Article License should not apply to this type of business. He explained that this business was more in the line of a Hobby Shop. Second Hand Article Licenses was related to used furniture and the like.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Todd Therriault
d/b/a Common King of Rhode Island
392 Dexter St. C.F.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
Leon J. Perez
d/b/a Jaiper Jewelry & Repair
704 Broad St. C.F.
Motion to approve, subject to state license, was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Omar Guerrero
d/b/a Omar & Oscar Jewelry
641 Dexter St. C.F.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So VOted.
Wilfredo Diaz
d/b/a Diaz Tire Shop
125 Washington St. C.F.
Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm
Motion to approve, subject to Zoning, was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Jorge Mitsoulis
d/b/a Flash Electronics
889 Dexter St. C.F.
Electronic repair for VCR's etc. 9am-8pm Mon.-Sat.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Colombian American Association of Rhode Island
Rincon Latino Club Sheridan St.
Cultural Party from 7pm to 3am- Sat. March 17, 1990.
Motion to deny was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
Michael Fontaine
d/b/a Crobar's
Sell prepared food in truck.
Councilman Charbonneau questioned the applicant.
Captain Sasso commented on this type of business.
Motion to deny was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Sienkiewicz. All Agreed. So Voted.
David A. Maurice
d/b/a Three K's Dinner
Prepared food.
Application withdrawn.
Lasari Inc. d/b/a Lasari - to sell prepared food at Higginson Ave. Sports Complex during soccer games.
Councilwoman Moreau questioned the applicants.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Central Falls Crimestoppers-raffle on Apr. 28, 1990 at dance to be held at the K of C Hall on Claremont St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Latin American Soccer Association of R.I. d/b/a LASARI
Use of Higginson Ave. Sports Complex for Soccer League on Sundays from April thru Dec. 1990.
Mayor Lazieh commented on the use of the complex; he stated that the schedule for the soccer games must be flexiable, so that, other organizations can also use the Complex on Sundays. He advised LASARI to file a schedule with the Recreation Director.
Motion to approve, subject to 2 policemen and port-a-johns, was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Channel One of Central Falls
507 Broad St. C.F.
Use of Jenks Park on April 7, 1990 from 11am-2pm for annual Easter in the Park.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Maurice M. Casto, Jr.
56 Fletcher St. Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
James F. Meunier
d/b/a J.M. Investigations
603 Lonsdale Ave. C.F.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
William H. Haslam
d/b/a Ace Private Detective Agency
773 Lonsdale Ave. C.F.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution - City of Newport - re: Opposition in proposed RIPTA service cut to Aquidneck Island.
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Lorraine J. Savard - re: Concern over statements in Saturday's Times dated March 3, 1990.
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Signatures on petition for a public hearing on charges made to the City Council against Thomas Lazieh by Wilfred Demeule dated Feb. 9, 1990.
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.
Signatures on petition for a public hearing on charges made to the City Council against Daniel Issa by Wilfred Demeule dated Feb. 9, 1990.
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Neveu Construction at 702 Broad St. C.F. repair to window broken by snow plow at 702 Broad St. ($260.00).
Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted.
City Council President Albert 0. Laroche recessed the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
Council President Albert 0. Laroche asked the City Solicitor, George Muksian to render an opinion on a Petition submitted to the City Council regarding Thomas Lazieh.
City Solicitor George Muksian advised the City Council on the procedures to follow with regards to the petitions. He suggested that the petitions should be reviewed to determine if they are in order for presentation. He stated that the signatures of 50 qualified electors should be attested to by the person who gathered the signatures. The purpose of the attestation would assure itself of the veracity of the petition. The petition is meaningless without this attestation. City Solicitor George Muksian then produced a sworn statement by Ida Vezina of Cowden St., Central Falls,
who stated that she was not fully informed of the purpose of the petition. She stated that the circulator of the petition told her that the petition was meant to keep the Mayor out of court. The City Solicitor George Muksian further explained that although the Charter doesn't specify that the signatures need be attested to for such a petition Mrs. Vezina's statement is a clear indication that the signers may not have been fully informed as to the purpose of the petition.
City Clerk, Daniel J. Issa removed himself from the dias and deferred to the Deputy City Clerk Elizabeth A. Crowley to take the remaining minutes of the City Council Meeting as the petitions in question are also related to him.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk
City Solicitor George Muksian explained to the City Council that the complaints on the petitions raises non issues and contains other deficiencies such as the charter section 8-200 applies to elected officials and not to appointed officials. The Mayor, at the time was the City Clerk and the complaint questions the Purchasing Agent. The Purchasing Agent is not an elected office, therefore, this section does not apply. The same would hold true for the City Clerk, Daniel Issa, as City Clerk he is not an elected Official.
City Solicitor George Muksian further stated that the issues regarding Mayor Lazieh were answered in November when the State Police investigated the complaint and the matter was settled.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche read the Petition against Thomas Lazieh.
Councilwoman Sandra Moreau commented that the City was in serious financial trouble and the petition was only distracting the Council and the Mayor from the business of dealing with the deficit. She commented that the petitions were like beating a dead horse and that the complaints have been investigated by the State Police and the Ethics Commission. The time of the City Council and the Mayor should be devoted to the City Budget and not to answering these complaints. Both the State Police and the Ethics have cleared the Mayor and the City Clerk and there should be no further need to spend time investigating what has already been answered.
Councilman Charbonneau read Chapter II of the City Charter and told the City Council that it was their duty to have a public hearing on the matter. He further stated that Mr. DeMeule should be heard so that the question could be put to rest and entered as Official Council record.
Councilman Vaudreuil stated that the question had been answered over and over and that there was no further need to continue investigating these complaints.
Councilman Charbonneau stated that a Citizen has a right to be heard and should the Council deny this right to him. He further stated that the City Council would be violating the Charter.
Councilman Vaudreuil asked the City Solicitor if the Council would violate the Charter if they did not have a Public Hearing on the complaints.
City Solicitor George Muksian responded no.
City Council President turned the meeting to President Pro Temp. Hector Charbonneau.
Councilman Laroche addressed the City Council and spoke against any further hearings regarding these complaints. He expressed that the complaints have been addressed.
President Pro Temp. Hector Charbonneau returned the Chair to the City Council President.
Councilman Charbonneau made a motion to let the Citizen be heard. No Second.
Motion was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to deny the Public Hearing on Petition against Thomas Lazieh.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Charbonneau | In favor of a Public Hearing. |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carries
Public Hearing denied: 4 yes 1 no.
Motion was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to deny the Public Hearing on Petition against Daniel Issa.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Charbonneau | In favor of a Public Hearing. |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Sienkiewicz | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carries
Public Hearing denied: 4 yes 1 no.
Councilman Charbonneau asked Finance Director, Edna S. Poulin, if the City Clerk was in the State Pension Plan or John Hancock Pension Plan.
Finance Director Edna Poulin answered no because an employee had to be employed with the City for six months before they can join the pension plan.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Sienkiewicz and seocnded by Councilman Charbonneau. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:10 P.M.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, Deputy City Clerk