CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
MONDAY, MARCH 12, 1990
A City Council Informational Workshop was held in the City Hall Council Chambers, on the above date, at 7:07 P.M.
Roll Call: present
Councilman Charbonneau
Councilman Laroche
Councilwoman Moreau
Councilman Sienkiewicz
Councilman Vaudreuil
Quorum Present.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche presided.
Mayor Thomas Lazieh addressed the City Council and reported on the City's Audit for the fiscal year 1988/1989. He informed the City Council that the total accumlated deficit prior to 1989 is $1,874,450. He also reported that the School Department of $218,230 which makes a total City/School deficit $2,092,680.
Mayor Lazieh also reported the unfavorable revenues which total $519,452 and the unfavorable expenses which total $240,770 for the fiscal year 1989.
Mayor Lazieh reviewed measures he is taking to cut expenditures and increase revenues. He cited the areas of surplus property, new grants, elminating heavy trash pick-ups, consolidation of departments and cutting all capital expenditures as areas to reduce the deficit.
Mayor Lazieh informed the City Council that in the next few weeks he would announce members of the Financial Task Force that he is creating to assist in the financial planning for the future of Central Falls.
School Superintendent Roland Deneault explained the School Department's deficit and spoke on the problems of State reimbursements.
Edna Poulin, Finance Director recapped the financial status of the City and responded that the Management Letter attached to the Audit Report would be taken very seriously.
Mayor Lazieh commented that the Administration would hold the line on all non-essentials. "We don't have an easy road ahead of us; but we will survive."
Councilman Charbonneau asked when a Minimum Housing Director would be appointed.
Mayor Lazieh explained why one hasn't been appointed.
Councilman Sienkiewicz commented.
Council President Albert Laroche commented on the problem of eliminating the large trash pick up and the problems that this is causing. He asked the Mayor who would enforce the removal of trash on the streets.
Mayor Lazieh responded that Minimum Housing would be sending notices to violators. He further explained that the cost for the disposal of heavy trash was beyond the City's means. Mayor Lazieh further explained that 90% of this problem is due to absentee landlords.
Councilman Vaudreuil commented on the long term financial planning for the City.
Councilman Sienkiewicz spoke on the depot project and asked the Mayor what was being done at the site.
Mayor Lazieh explained that the owners were trying to clean up the area to do something with the building.
Councilwoman Moreau questioned Superintendent Deneault on when the City could expect to receive the budget for this year.
Superintendent Deneault responded that he expected to have a proposed budget by April 1, 1990.
Council President Albert O. Laroche asked when the City's Budget would be received.
Mayor Lazieh stated that a proposed budget would be prepared in April.
Mayor Lazieh thanked the City Council for their time and concern on the City's finances.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded byCouncilman Vaudreuil. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 8:00 P.M.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk